Antique chinese bronze mirror. 4.75x4.75x.25. rchaeology has proven that some bronze mirrors date back to the time of Qijia culture, an early Bronze Age culture which existed 4000 years ago, and were gradually replaced by glass mirrors in the late Qing Dynasty. Being in use for approximately 3800 years, the bronze mirror, among all ancient metal utensils, can be regarded as the most influential one that was used for the longest time, throughout the largest area. The bronze mirror itself is a piece of art. On the back of the mirror there often cast fancy decorative patterns and words which demonstrate social points of view and the aesthetic preferences of different historical periods. The delicacy of the mirror reveals great skills and also high artistic value. PROVENANCE: From a Charleston, SC and Paris, France private collection. wt 9 oz