Japanese vintage bronze mirror from 1850s. (24J-354-4）

Japanese vintage bronze mirror from 1850s. (24J-354-4）

SKU:
24J-354-4
$150.00
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Description

和鏡 Wakyou / Wakagami : Japanese-style mirror or 柄鏡 Ekagami : handle mirror
(below translated from Kagawa Prefectural Museum )

This bronze mirror, crafted in the 1850s by the skilled artisan 藤原 (Fujiwara), exemplifies the refinement of late Edo-period metalwork. The mirror features a simple yet elegant polished surface, carefully cast to achieve a clear reflection, a hallmark of the era’s advanced techniques in bronze craftsmanship.

The handle is subtle in its design, allowing the craftsmanship of the mirror to take center stage. Bronze mirrors of this kind were highly valued in 19th-century Japan, not only for their practicality but also for their deep cultural significance. Mirrors were often associated with purity, self-awareness, and Shinto rituals, where they symbolized the divine connection between the spiritual and material worlds.

This piece represents a historical moment in Japan when traditional craftsmanship flourished despite the country’s impending modernization. The artisan’s signature, 藤原, attests to the authenticity and heritage of this mirror, marking it as a product of a distinguished maker.

An exceptional artifact, this mirror is a testament to the enduring artistry of the Edo period and would be a prized addition to any collection of Japanese antiques.