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National Treasure

Bronze Mirror with Inlaid Mother-of-pearl Floral Design

나전 화문 동경 ( 螺鈿 花文 銅鏡 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification National Treasure
Name of Cultural Properties Bronze Mirror with Inlaid Mother-of-pearl Floral Design
Quantity 1 Item
Designated Date 1971.12.21
Age Unknown
Address Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, 60-16, Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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.