Mirror

Unknown Artist

18th century

Mirror by Unknown Artist

Medium

Jade

Dimensions

H. 6 1/2 in (16.5 cm) W. 3 7/8 in (9.8 cm)

Classification

Stone

Department

Islamic Art

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

Bequest of Mary Clark Thompson, 1923

Accession Number

24.80.562

Art Historical Context

This elegant jade mirror, crafted in the 18th century, represents the refined artistry found within Islamic decorative traditions. Standing just over six inches tall, the compact stone object was likely designed as a personal accessory, blending utility with ornamental beauty. Its smooth jade surface, a material prized across Islamic lands for its cool touch and luminous quality, features delicate carvings of flowers and leaves that evoke the natural motifs central to the period’s aesthetic. Jade carving demanded exceptional skill, as artisans worked the hard stone into graceful forms without...

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