Untitled

Unknown

12th century · Bronze · Asian Art

Over the centuries, pilgrims to Sanjin-Gōsaiden Shrine threw bronze mirrors into its pond as offerings to the three deities venerated in the Dewa Sanzan mountains of Yamagata prefecture. The shrine is located on Mount Haguro, the starting point for a pilgrimage known as the Journey of Rebirth. These early mirrors are thinly cast and often feature birds and flowers on their reverse, imagery inspired by the Yamato-e painting style that thrived at the Heian imperial court.

Artist

Unknown

Date

12th century

Medium

Bronze

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

The Harry G. C. Packard Collection of Asian Art, Gift of Harry G. C. Packard, and Purchase, Fletcher, Rogers, Harris Brisbane Dick, and Louis V. Bell Funds, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, and The Annenberg Fund Inc. Gift, 1975