The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of April 25, 2024

Mirror with the Image of Avalokitesvara

Mirror with the Image of Avalokitesvara

early 1900s
(1392–1910)
bronze with incised Buddhist designs
Overall: 15.7 x 13 cm (6 3/16 x 5 1/8 in.)
Director's Contingent Fund 1918.531
Location: not on view

Did You Know?

Due to its origin as an important tool in religion and politics, mirrors are often mentioned in many Korean proverbs that warn certain behaviors.

Description

Mirrors, along with swords and jade, were among the most important symbols of power. It is thought that mirrors held power through their ability to catch and reflect light. This rare trapezoid-shaped example is engraved with an image of the Avalokitesvara, Bodhisattva of Compassion and was used as a part of Buddhist rituals.
  • ?–1918
    Purchased in Korea by Langdon Warner [1881–1955], as agent of the Cleveland Museum of Art
    1918–
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • An, Gui-sook, Korean Bronze Artisans [유기장]. Seoul: Hwasan munhwa, 2002.
  • {{cite web|title=Mirror with the Image of Avalokitesvara|url=false|author=|year=early 1900s|access-date=25 April 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1918.531