What were bronze mirrors used for in ancient times?

In ancient times, the earliest ritual vessels appeared in Shang Dynasty and were generally enjoyed by princes and nobles from the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period to the Qin Dynasty. By the end of the Western Han Dynasty, bronze mirrors had gradually become popular among the people and became indispensable daily necessities.

Bronze mirror is a mirror made of copper in ancient times. Bronze mirror, also known as bronze mirror. Mr. Zhou, a member of China Collectors Association, recorded in "Wuling Treasures": In ancient times, people looked at each other with water. After the invention of bronzes, they took photos with copper pots filled with water. In the pre-Qin works such as Shangshu, Guoyu and Zhuangzi, it is mentioned that the ancients thought water. Shuo Wen Jie Zi and Shuo Wen Jie Zi interpret Jane as a basin, so it can be said that a basin (Jane) filled with water is the earliest mirror.

Extended data

Four standards of bronze mirror appreciation

1, the preservation condition is good, because the bronze mirror is buried for a long time, and the less corrosion, the better. It is best to be a bright silver "mercury mirror" or a "black paint antique" with black paint like ink;

2. There are few varieties, and it is best to witness a historical event, such as the polo mirror in the Tang Dynasty, which proves that football originated in China;

3, high artistry, reflecting the ancient high-tech special craft mirrors, such as hollow mirrors in the Warring States period, gold-plated mirrors in the Han and Tang Dynasties, inlaid mother-of-pearl, silver shell, gold shell and through legs;

4. The clarity of decorative patterns is the key. In the collection of bronze mirrors, the plate mold is emphasized, and the head mold mirror is the most popular.

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