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Photo © President and Fellows of Harvard College
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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1977.216.3421
Title
Plain Circular Mirror with Ring Attachment
Other Titles
Alternate Title: Part of a Box Mirror
Classification
Mirrors
Work Type
mirror
Date
4th century BCE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World
Period
Classical period, Late, to Early Hellenistic
Culture
Greek
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/304147

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Bronze
Technique
Cast and hammered
Dimensions
mirror: 12.1 x 10.3 cm (4 3/4 x 4 1/16 in.)
ring: 2.2 cm (7/8 in.)
Technical Details

Technical Observations: The patina features green, red, and black corrosion products with brown deposits. Unusual parallel striations on the slightly concave side may be from a post-excavation treatment. The piece is intact. The disc was made by hammering and cutting a thin sheet. The loop on one side of the disc was an extension of the main sheet that was rolled over to provide a holder for the hammered-rod ring.


Carol Snow (submitted 2002)

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Transfer from the Department of the Classics, Harvard University
Accession Year
1977
Object Number
1977.216.3421
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Published Catalogue Text: Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Bronzes at the Harvard Art Museums
This sheet-bronze disc has a loop extending from one side and bent over, through which is threaded a circular loop of bronze wire, evidently for suspension. This disc is slightly concave; it has no visible incised features. The top side is marked by delicate parallel lines. An old paper label adheres to the opposite side, on which is written in ink, “Athens.” This object may have been a lid rather than a mirror.

David G. Mitten

Subjects and Contexts

  • Ancient Bronzes

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu