Ancient Chinese Bronze Four Dragon Mirror – Probably Western Han Dynasty C.1st Century Bc

A fascinating and highly evocative ancient Chinese cast bronze mirror, probably dating to the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC–AD 9) and approximately the 1st century BC.

This compact circular mirror measures approximately 9.5 cm in diameter, approximately 5 mm deep at the rim, and weighs 129 grams.

The decorated reverse is centred by a prominent hemispherical pierced suspension boss, originally intended to accommodate a cord or ribbon through which the mirror could be held or suspended.

Surrounding the central boss are four smaller raised bosses, regularly positioned around the principal decorative field. Between these are four highly stylised archaistic zoomorphic forms, interpreted as hui or serpent/dragon motifs, contained within a series of concentric linear and patterned borders.

This decorative arrangement relates closely to the group of ancient Chinese bronze mirrors generally described as Four-Boss and Four-Hui mirrors (四乳四虺紋銅鏡), a design particularly associated with the Han-period bronze mirror tradition.

The highly stylised creatures are deliberately abstract rather than naturalistically represented, their curving bodies forming an almost geometric arrangement around the central boss. This combination of symmetry, raised bosses, archaistic creatures and concentric borders is characteristic of early Chinese bronze-mirror decoration.

The opposite side is undecorated and gently convex, forming the original reflecting surface. Unlike modern glass mirrors, ancient Chinese mirrors were cast from bronze and the undecorated face was carefully polished to produce its reflective finish.

The surface now displays a wonderfully subdued dark grey to almost black patina, together with scattered mineral deposits and occasional traces of oxidation. The reverse decoration has softened considerably through age and wear, while the original reflecting face retains numerous fine scratches and surface marks.

The pierced central boss remains intact.

Small bronze mirrors were important personal possessions in ancient China and combined an everyday practical function with decorative and symbolic imagery. Mirrors were also frequently included amongst burial goods, which accounts for the survival of many archaeological examples.

The compact proportions of this example are entirely consistent with ancient personal mirrors, while the substantial cast construction, central pierced boss, raised outer rim and strongly symmetrical decoration give it considerable visual presence despite its relatively small size.

Origin: China

Period: Probably Western Han Dynasty

Date: Circa 1st century BC

Broader dating: Han Dynasty, 206 BC–AD 220

Material: Cast bronze

Type: Four-Boss and Four-Hui / stylised dragon pattern bronze mirror

Diameter: Approximately 9.5 cm

Depth: Approximately 5 mm at rim, excluding central boss

Weight: 129 g

Condition:

Good condition considering the considerable age attributed to the piece. There is extensive age-related surface wear, scratching, patination, scattered deposits and oxidation. The relief decoration has softened with age and the original reflecting surface is naturally no longer highly polished. There are minor irregularities and small marks around the circumference. The central pierced suspension boss remains intact.

Please study the photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.

A particularly interesting small Chinese bronze mirror displaying the four-boss and stylised dragon decorative vocabulary associated with Han Dynasty mirror production, and an evocative surviving example of early Chinese metalwork.

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The company emphasizes informed attribution, clear descriptions, and responsible market practice. Objects are evaluated through visual examination, comparative research, and reference to established art-historical frameworks, with attention to condition, authenticity, and context.

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Condition, Attribution & Authenticity Notice

This work is offered as an antique object based on visual examination and comparative stylistic analysis. All statements regarding age, origin, attribution, and period represent informed scholarly opinion and are not guarantees of absolute fact.

Condition descriptions are based on external observation only. The interior, underside of the base, and any internal cavities or consecration materials have not been examined. No technical analysis (including XRF, thermoluminescence, or metallurgical testing) has been performed.

As is typical with antique bronzes, minor casting irregularities, surface wear, rubbing to high points, oxidation, and age-related imperfections are present and should be expected. No visible repairs or restorations are observed from the available views; however, the absence of hidden restorations cannot be guaranteed.

All items are sold as is, and prospective buyers are encouraged to examine the photographs carefully and request additional information prior to purchase. By bidding or purchasing, the buyer acknowledges acceptance of the item?s condition and the nature of antique works.

International Buyers ? Important Information

This item is an antique work of art over 100 years old and is sold as a collectible object. Buyers are responsible for any import duties, VAT, GST, customs fees, or local taxes imposed by their country.

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This work is offered in accordance with standard international art market practices.