Eight-foiled Mirror with Flower and Phoenix Design

1100s

Eight-foiled Mirror with Flower and Phoenix Design, 1100s. Korea, Goryeo period (918-1392). Bronze; overall: 13.4 x 0.5 cm (5 1/4 x 3/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of John L. Severance 1921.660 From ancient times, a mirror assumed various roles; a ritualistic tool, a diplomatic gift, and a luxury commodity. During the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392), which saw the great advancement of metallurgy, the royal court was the center of distributing sophisticated bronze artifacts. According to historical records, on the 7th day of the Lunar New Year, the king bestowed a bronze mirror inscribed with auspicious symbols upon each court official as part of a ceremony to celebrate the Day of Humans. This explains why a large quantity of bronze mirrors were excavated from elite tombs. Due to its origin as an important tool in religion and politics, mirrors are often mentioned in many Korean proverbs that warn certain behaviors.