Mirror

Unknown

11th–12th century · Bronze; cast · Islamic Art

Cast bronze mirrors were often used for divination or magical medicine. The polished metallic front provided a reflective surface. Often, the decoration on the back depicted the zodiac or mythological themes. The iconography of eagle-and-man pictured on this small mirror has parallels in material excavated from a Ghaznavid palace in Uzbekistan.

Artist

Unknown

Date

11th–12th century

Medium

Bronze; cast

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Dr. Maurice S. Dimand, in memory of his wife, Avis, 1976