Haguro Mirror (Haguro-kyō) with Birds, Flowers, and Butterflies

12th century

Not on view

Over the centuries, pilgrims to Sanjin-Gōsaiden Shrine threw bronze mirrors into its pond as offerings to the three deities venerated in the Dewa Sanzan mountains of Yamagata prefecture. The shrine is located on Mount Haguro, the starting point for a pilgrimage known as the Journey of Rebirth. These early mirrors are thinly cast and often feature birds and flowers on their reverse, imagery inspired by the Yamato-e painting style that thrived at the Heian imperial court.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

草花蝶々鳥双羽黒鏡銅鏡
Title: Haguro Mirror (Haguro-kyō) with Birds, Flowers, and Butterflies
Period: Heian period (794–1185)
Date: 12th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Bronze
Dimensions: Diam. 4 1/4 in. (10.8 cm); D. 1/4 in. (.6 cm)
Classification: Mirrors
Credit Line: The Harry G. C. Packard Collection of Asian Art, Gift of Harry G. C. Packard, and Purchase, Fletcher, Rogers, Harris Brisbane Dick, and Louis V. Bell Funds, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, and The Annenberg Fund Inc. Gift, 1975
Object Number: 1975.268.160
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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