Inscribed Japanese Edo Bronze Kagami Mirror Crane Pine

Japanese round-form bronze kagami (mirror) decorated in high relief with a finely detailed motif of crane and its young among pines. The perforated knob in the center, which holds a tassel, is in the form of a tortoise. There is an inscription at one side (see enlargement 6). 19th century (Edo period). 4 3/4" diameter with a 3/4" high rim. Excellent condition. For centuries, mirrors were customarily given to temples and shrines as offerings to deities. According to Merrily Baird in "Symbols of Japan: Thematic Motifs in Art and Design,” the Chinese style round mirrors remained in use, particularly among men, through the Edo period and were replaced thereafter by mirrors with long rectangular handles (pgs. 264-265). This mirror is from an old Tucson, Arizona estate. It was purchased sometime between the 1950's and 1970's.

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