Bronze mirrors gleam with centuries of tradition at show

[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Exquisite bronze mirrors were used in China for centuries, dating from as early as the Bronze Age to the mid-19th century. Besides its basic function to reflect, a bronze mirror is also a piece of art engraved on the back with beautiful patterns and epigraphs.

Some 100 antique Chinese bronze mirrors are now on show at the Tsinghua University Art Museum, through April 30, 2018.

The exhibition is titled Bizhong Bixin, or Loyalty and Faith. It is from an inscription on one shown mirror of the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220). It is a motto saying that when people keep loyal and honest, they will become close to each other; otherwise, they will lose confidence in each other and isolate each other.

The exhibited objects are from a donation of 274 bronze mirrors, including 100 from Japan to the museum made by Wang Ganghuai, 76, a Tsinghua alumnus.