Antique Japanese Edo Bronze Shinto Kagami Hokyo Mirror on Gilt Wood Lotus Pedestal 宝鏡

Antique Silvered Bronze Ritual Object
Hokyo Kagami 宝鏡
Bronze Mirror On Lotus Pedestal
Origin: Japan, Circa: Edo, 18th-19th century
H 13.5 in. (35cm), W 8 in. (20cm), D 3.75 in. (9.5cm)
Aged condition with minor lacquer flake on back of pedestal

A fine bronze mirror with a silver surface, seated in a burnished lacquer and rich gold pedestal with etched copper brackets, in the design of a transcendent lotus flower rose from a large upturned leaf. The carving is both firm and delicate, and the bronze mirror appears to be in a fair condition without any dent; although the silver surface is somewhat tarnished due to its age, which can be polished anew if preferred. Since the lotus flower is a Buddhist symbol, we can be certain that the Hokyo mirror is a treasure that belongs to one of the six Japanese Buddhist Schools. A rare and highly collectible find, overall in aged and good condition.

In Shinto ritual, among the Three Regalia (Sanshu no Jingi 三種の神器), Makkyo 魔鏡 (magic mirrors) is a revered object in which the chosen deity resides. When Buddhism was introduced to Japan in the 8th century, the Hokyo mirror 宝鏡 was also a common ritual object that symbolizes perfect wisdom. For without the distortion from individual ego and personal desire, the mirror reflects the world as it is. Hence the Buddhist mirror is a metaphor for liberating the deluded consciousness.