bronze mirror
(kagami)
Late Kamakura to Nambokucho Period, 13-14th C
of circular form and decorated on the back with a design of birds in flight amid willow tree blossoming plum trees, polished gilt tin on verso
diameter 4 1/2 in., 11.4 cm
depth 3/8 in., 0.8 cm
$5,000
detail
handled bronze mirror
(e-kagami)
Momoyama to Early Edo Period, late 16th to early 17th cent.
of circular form with long handle and decorated on the back with a design a crouching tiger beside a stand of bamboo; inscribed with the honorific title, Tenkaichi (the best on earth), polished gilt tin on verso
diameter 4 1/2 in., 11.4 cm
length 6 3/8 in., 16.2 cm
depth 3/8 in., 0.8 cm
$3,500
bronze mirror
Late Edo Period, 19th cent.
of rectangular form decorated on the back the kanji, Uguisu (Japanese bush warbler) above a blossoming plum tree; with inscription by the maker, Tenkaichi, Fujiwara Masashige, polished gilt tin on verso
length 5 3/4 in., 14.7 cm
width 2 1/2 in., 5.8 cm
depth 1/8 in., 0.4 cm
'Tenkaichi' is an honorific title given to skilled bronze mirror makers.
$600