Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 5th century CE. Wow! What amazing condition for this ancient piece. A cast bronze hand mirror with applied bronze faces and looping handles. A functional hinge attaches a cover to the mirror. The reflective surface is no longer present, but it may have been made of blown glass. The Romans called mirrors "speculum" from "specere", to look or behold, and mirrors held an important place in the toilette of any fashionable Roman man or woman, and the handle means that it was used to travel. The high level of craftsmanship and the sheer amount of bronze on this piece suggests that this belonged to an elite citizen; the applied faces may represent gods, a famous Roman, or possibly even the owner. Comes with custom stand. Size: 12" L when opened; 4.45" W x 6.25" H (30.5 cm x 11.3 cm x 15.9 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Private Orange County, CA collection

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#118052

Smooth patina with working hinge