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Todaiji Temple Lotus Hall: Mirror
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Todaiji Temple Lotus Hall: Mirror
JAPAN, Nara; Nara period (710–794); Brass; Diameter: 14.5 cm
Created during the 8th century, this is one of two mirrors in the Lotus Hall of Todaiji Temple. They hang on the canopies of Brahma and Sakra. Since the Nara period, decorative mirrors were inlaid on the ceiling, architrave, canopy, or mandorla.
The round mirror has three squares within it. The central square has a large boss in the form of a mythical creature surrounded by a ripple pattern. The second square contains eight floral wreaths. The outer square has 12 mythical creatures, and there are four apsaras in the space between the outer square and the rim. It is possible that it was cast from a mold of a Tang dynasty mirror. |
