Bronze Mirror with Inlaid Mother-of-pearl Floral Design

Basic information

Designation

National Treasure No.140

Category

Craft

Era

미상

Designated year

1971

Location

용산구, 서울특별시— 서울 용산구 이태원로55길 60-16, 삼성미술관 리움 (한남동)

Coordinates

37.536528, 126.996187

The mirror (diameter of 18.6cm and thickness of 0.6cm) is said to have been unearthed from an area that used to belong to Gaya. It is said to be the oldest handicraft made of inlaid mother-of-pearl found on the Korean Peninsula. Noteworthy is the fact that a mirror made with a similar technique is kept at Shosoin of Japan. The edge of its backside is adorned with a bead-shaped round strap containing floral patterns. A gorgeous peony pattern fills the backside, with birds and lions portrayed at the sides. Blue jade is inlaid between patterns. The object was believed to have been made sometime between the 8th and 10th centuries. It is a precious item as the oldest handicraft made of inlaid mother-of-pearl found on the Korean Peninsula.

Location