Bronze ‘water mirror’ decorated with eight small ‘nipples’, seven larger ‘nipples’, two lines of Chinese characters and seven celestial beings in the outer section. This mirror has a crisp decoration and its reflective surface is shiny and smooth. Most antique Chinese mirrors have been corroded over time. 'Water mirrors' do not show any corrosion. The bronze just changes color. Looking into their reflective side creates the impression of looking into water. The reason why they do not show corrosion is that they were wrapped in a silk or leather bag which was then packed into a lacquer container. This kept them safe from direct contact with water and humidity which causes bronze to corrode. The creatures are however of a very simple nature and there is therefore little doubt that this mirror dates from the late Eastern Han period (AD 25 – 220). Diameter 14.9 cm. Thickness of the rim 0.5 cm. Weight 422.1 grams.