Mirror
Unknown Artist
18th century
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...