Mirror with the Image of Avalokitesvara
Unknown Artist
early 1900s
Medium
bronze with incised Buddhist designs
Dimensions
{"overall":{"height":0.157,"width":0.13}}
Classification
Metalwork
Department
Korean Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Director's Contingent Fund
Accession Number
1918.531
About this artwork
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.