On the reverse of this type of mirror, TLV pattern is drawn. On TLV pattern,
there are some opinions. One opinion explains that this is a game board.
But a weighty opinion explains that "T" is a piller and a tie-beam
which hold the heavens, "L" is a rope, "V" is a pile
which is knocked into the earth. This opinion argues that TLV pattern symbolizes
a vision of the universe which ancient Chinese imaged. In any case, I think
this pattern means "Happy Augury".
The main part of the body is divided into small eight parts by the TLV
pattern. On the each small part, "The four gods" and sacred animals
are drawn. The four gods guard north, south, east and west.
| The four gods | Xuan wu | This god is expressed by a tortoise and a snake which are mutually intertwined. This god is black and guards North. |
| Zhu que | This god is a red phoenix which guards South. | |
| Qing long | This god is a blue dragon which guards East. | |
| Bai hu | This god is a white tiger which guards West. |
Even today, many people think that "The four gods" can call good fortune in and guard peace.
This type of mirror with TLV pattern was made from the middle years of Western Han Dynasty (206.BC - AD 8) to the late years of Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 25-220).
It is said that this type of mirror was made in the lower reaches of the Huang He (the Yellow River).
Chinese bronze mirror.
Mirror with TLV pattern and The four gods.
Xin Dynasty (AD 8-23).
From the edge to the center : saw pattern belt, double zigzag lines pattern
belt, saw pattern belt, comb pattern belt, Chinese character inscription
belt, TLV pattern and The four gods and sacred animals pattern belt, double
squares, four leaves base, a knob.
Qing long (blue dragon) pairs with a sacred animal. Bai hu (white tiger)
also pairs with a sacred animal. Zhu que (red phoenix) pairs with Zhu que.
Xuan wu is taken apart to a tortoise and a snake. This type of Xuan wu
(dismantled Xuan wu) is old and early Xuan wu. This pattern of Xuan wu
is characteristic for Xin Dynasty.
Chinese character inscription : "Mr. Tao made this mirror, which is
truly very skillful. In the heavens there are sacred wizards and they don't
know aging. If they are thirsty, they can drink a jeweled fountain."
Red patina. No restoration. Intact.
531g.
D-159mm.
F.
Sold.
Chinese Bronze Mirror.
Mirror with slender line five sacred animals and a wizard pattren.
Xin Dynasty (AD 8-23).
Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 25-220).
Casting era : Xin Dynasty - The early years of Eastern Han Dynasty.
Slanting edge type.
From the edge to the center : wreath pattern belt, saw pattern belt, comb
pattern belt, Chinese character inscription belt, five sacred animals and
a wizard pattern and six projections belt, a big knob. Sacred animals are
a phoenix, a tiger, two deer and a dragon. It is said that these sacred
animals are imaginary and symbolize nature in itself.
Chinese character inscription : "Shang fang (a national mirror factory)
made this mirror, which is beautiful and wonderful. Your children will
be very well and prosper togather for a long time."
No retoration. Intact.
390g.
D-127mm.
VF.
Sold.
Shuichi Yamashita
1696, Aoyagi
Ichihara-shi, Chiba
299-0102, JAPAN
E-mail : ge6128@i.bekkoame.ne.jp