Octafoil-shaped Mirror Featuring Ci Fei, the Dragon Slayer

The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Octafoil-shaped Mirror Featuring Ci Fei, the Dragon Slayer as metalwork (China, Jin dynasty (1115-1234) or Korea, Goryeo dynasty (918-1392) · 900s–1300s).

WHY IT’S INTERESTING

The mirror is currently thought to be a Chinese work dating to the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234). Recently published excavation reports, however, reveal that this particular type was exclusively unearthed from Korean tombs of the Goryeo period.

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A CLOSER LOOK

The museum identifies this metalwork as bronze.

The museum's collection notes: The mythical hero Ci Fei and his victory during his travel through the Yangzi River is depicted on this eight-lobbed mirror. He raises his sword in order to attack sea monsters. On the top, a large inscription in seal script reads “Great and Resplendent is the Heaven.” The mirror is currently thought to be a Chinese work dating to the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234). Recently published excavation reports, however, reveal that this particular type was exclusively unearthed from Korean tombs of the Goryeo period. Some Korean scholars speculate that this Chinese epic was appropriated to celebrate the Goryeo ruling house’s heroic ancestry and this type o

FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE

The Cleveland Museum of ArtOctafoil-shaped Mirror Featuring Ci Fei, the Dragon Slayer

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