Mirror with Papyriform HandleEarly New Kingdom (1550–1070 BCE)

On view:

Geffen Galleries, floor 1

Title: Mirror with Papyriform Handle
Place Made: Egypt
Date Made: Early New Kingdom (1550–1070 BCE)
Medium: Bronze
Dimensions: Length: 7 13/16 in. (19.84 cm)
Credit Line: Ancient Art Acquisition Fund
Accession Number: AC1997.9.1
Classification: Tools and Equipment
Collecting Area: Egyptian Art
Curatorial Notes: Bronze mirrors were frequently included in elite burials in both Egypt and Nubia. While their highly polished surfaces served a utilitarian function in daily life, the magical reflection of the deceased might be considered an action contributing to eternal life. In this example, the bronze disk of the mirror is attached to an open papyrus umbel, with the stalk, bearing delicate markings of the flower, serving as the handle. Mirrors are shown on stelae and tomb reliefs, where they are offered to or held by the deceased.
Provenance: William Frankland Hood (ca. 1825–1864), Rev., Nettleham Hall, England, between 1851 and 1861 (sale, London, Sotheby’s, 11 November 1924, lot 10). William Randolph Hearst (1863–1951), San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles. Anonymous (sale, Boston, Skinner, 15 June 1996?, sold to); Robert Haber & Associates Ancient Art, New York, sold 13 February 1997 to; LACMA.

On view:

Geffen Galleries, floor 1

Title: Mirror with Papyriform Handle
Place Made: Egypt
Date Made: Early New Kingdom (1550–1070 BCE)
Medium: Bronze
Dimensions: Length: 7 13/16 in. (19.84 cm)
Credit Line: Ancient Art Acquisition Fund
Accession Number: AC1997.9.1
Classification: Tools and Equipment
Collecting Area: Egyptian Art
Curatorial Notes: Bronze mirrors were frequently included in elite burials in both Egypt and Nubia. While their highly polished surfaces served a utilitarian function in daily life, the magical reflection of the deceased might be considered an action contributing to eternal life. In this example, the bronze disk of the mirror is attached to an open papyrus umbel, with the stalk, bearing delicate markings of the flower, serving as the handle. Mirrors are shown on stelae and tomb reliefs, where they are offered to or held by the deceased.
Provenance: William Frankland Hood (ca. 1825–1864), Rev., Nettleham Hall, England, between 1851 and 1861 (sale, London, Sotheby’s, 11 November 1924, lot 10). William Randolph Hearst (1863–1951), San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles. Anonymous (sale, Boston, Skinner, 15 June 1996?, sold to); Robert Haber & Associates Ancient Art, New York, sold 13 February 1997 to; LACMA.