Studio of Mirror-like Waters 1871 - 1933

This circular mirror was created by Jian Guzhai. While undated, it gives us insight into the cultural meanings that circulated in China at the time. The mirror's surface displays symbolic creatures and patterns. Dragons and phoenixes are commonly associated with imperial power and conjugal harmony, while the inscription, 'Studio of Mirror-like Waters,' may refer to the philosophical notion of reflection and clarity. The mirror would have been more than a tool for self-reflection; it likely served as a cultural artifact, embodying social status and philosophical ideas. Studying the mirror as a historical object requires a multidisciplinary approach. By referencing historical texts, examining contemporary artifacts, and understanding social structures, we can better understand this mirror’s role in its original cultural context. Its imagery and use remind us that art is always embedded in a complex web of social and institutional relationships.