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Japanese Mirrors
 Metal
mirrors (mirrors are called kagami in Japanese) were likely first introduced into Japan almost 2000 years ago through
increased contact with China and Korea. Round, bronze mirrors are commonly
discovered in tombs from this period and may have held some religious
significance. Early Japanese emperors often gave mirrors as gifts to the
rulers of various Japanese states, who in turn held these mirrors as signs of
their authority and passed them to their heirs as such. Early Japanese
mirrors were decorated on the back side with scenes similar to those used on
Chinese mirrors. However, during the Heian period (794-1185) the Chinese
motifs began to give way to more Japanese images and themes. The Chinese
phoenixes became cranes and sparrows and Chinese flowers gave way to the
auspicious cherry blossom, chrysanthemum and pine. Mirrors began to
receive handles during the Edo era (1600-1868) and special vanity stands were
created to hold larger mirrors. During this time mirrors became popular as
wedding gifts and many Edo period mirrors include the mon (family crest)
of the united families. The mirror, along with the sword and the jewel,
comprise the three objects of the imperial regalia. For this reason mirror
makers, like swordsmiths, were often given special titles in honor of their
respected craft. These titles can often be found along with the maker's
name on many fine quality mirrors.
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Click
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to see Japanese mirrors available for purchase from our eBay store
The Old Tokaido |
Research on Japanese mirrors:
"Japanese Art." London: British Museum Publications Ltd., 1990
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