A Japanese bronze e-kagami hand mirror by Harushige, with lacquer case

The circular bronze mirror is fitted with a long rectangular handle. The reverse is finely cast in relief with a fruiting nandina plant rising from a low grassy bank, its slender branches bearing clusters of berries and pointed leaves. Above is a circular medallion enclosing a stylized paulownia crest. The right side is inscribed vertically Tenkaichi Bizen no Kami Harushige (天下一備前守春重). Accompanied by a fitted black-lacquer storage case of conforming form.

Japanese handled mirrors of this type are known as e-kagami, or “picture mirrors.” They were generally cast from bronze, an alloy principally composed of copper, tin, and lead, with decorative designs molded on the reverse. Handled mirrors were introduced into Japan from China and Korea during the late Muromachi period and became widely used during the Edo period. Their discs gradually increased in size to accommodate the elaborate hairstyles worn by women at the time, while some handles were wrapped in rattan to provide a more secure grip. Mirrors were sometimes used in pairs, allowing the viewer to see both the front and back of the head simultaneously.

From the Heian through the Muromachi periods, Japanese mirror casters enjoyed a status comparable to that of swordsmiths and were granted similar honorary provincial titles. This prestige was closely associated with the mirror’s importance in Japanese court and religious culture: the Imperial Regalia comprise a sword symbolizing valor, a jewel symbolizing benevolence, and a mirror symbolizing wisdom. Although the formal conferment of such titles upon mirror makers ceased during the Edo period, traditional titles continued to appear in their signatures for many years afterward. Tenkaichi, literally “first under heaven,” was a prestigious designation frequently incorporated into the signatures of Japanese mirror casters.

Edo period (1603–1868).

Reference: Pitt Rivers Museum, “Two e-kagami, Japan”:
https://web.prm.ox.ac.uk/bodyarts/index.php/temporary-body-arts/mirrors/63-two-e-kagami-japan-edo-period-c-16001868.html

 {Mirror: Length 13 3/4 inches (36 cm)}. {Case: Height 15 1/2 inches (39.3 cm)}. 

Overall surface dirt. Case has scratches and losses. For condition report and additional photos, please contact the Asian Art Department.