The first period refers to the early to the middle and late Western Han Dynasty. The bronze mirrors of this period were carved flat, with flat body, flat patterns, simple edges and strong decoration.
The second period refers to the late Western Han Dynasty to the early Eastern Han Dynasty. Ordinary mirrors are popular in this period. In order to show off his political achievements, Wang Mang produced many exquisite works, among which Han Jing in the period of Wang Mang was the most exquisite.
The third period refers to the middle to the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty. In this period, the mirror surface is slightly convex, which is convenient to reflect the complete shape of the surface and conforms to the scientific principle. Mirror buttons become thicker and stronger. Contrary to the first phase, the continuous arc is mostly in the inner region.
During this period, the layout of bronze mirrors was also lively, and the geographical division was simple. Usually, auspicious characters such as Changyi senior officials or descendants of Changyi and positions in Sangong were used as inscriptions. During this period, a relief style was also created, with high ornamentation, mainly including double-kui mirror, bat mirror, portrait mirror and square mirror (animal mirror).
Extended data:
Method of distinguishing authenticity with bronze mirror
1, listening
Tap the bronze mirror with your hand, and distinguish the authenticity through the sound from the bronze mirror. Because the proportion of raw materials such as copper, tin and lead is different when the old and new bronze mirrors are made, the sound they make is also different. Old bronze mirrors generally have a deep and mellow voice. The newly imitated bronze mirror sounds crisp and even harsh.
Step 2 look at the shape
Observe the shape of the bronze mirror and distinguish the authenticity of the bronze mirror from the shape. In order to ensure the true and clear effect of bronze mirrors, when the ancients cast bronze mirrors, the size and radian of the mirrors were strictly proportional. Generally speaking, a smaller bronze mirror can see a relatively gentle curvature, and a bronze mirror over 20 cm is basically flat, and no obvious curvature fluctuation can be seen. The radian of the newly imitated bronze mirror is generally out of proportion to the mirror size.
Step 3 identify rust
The rust on the new bronze mirror was made later. There are several situations when put in water. One situation is not to touch water. Rusty places don't touch water, but go against the water, just like the feeling of lotus leaves touching water.
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