Images(4)

mirror

Object NameMirror

Made FromBone, Wood, Glass

Date400-699

Techniqueblown, cut, carved, painted

SizeOverall H: 14.7 cm, W: 11.6 cm

Accession Number81.1.2

Curatorial Area(s)

Ancient

Interpretive Notes

Web Text

The mirror is unusual, and it may have been repaired with more recent bone elements along the base. The candelabrum resembles the menorah on a lintel in the Byzantine synagogue at Nawa in the Hauran, where the central light of the menorah is in the form of a large disk raised above the level of the other lights. Similarly, on contemporaneous earthenware lamps, the position of the central disk corresponds to that of the nozzle, so that the light of the lamp appears to come from it. The human figure would be unusual on a Jewish ritual object, but perhaps the mirror may have been a household item. The pigment is discolored and has migrated over the back surface, concealing details of the carving.

Place Made

possibly Egypt

Physical DescriptionColorless glass with silvery gray backing; glass presumably blown, cut to shape and backed, then mounted in frame. Rectangular wooden panel covered on both sides and edges with bone attachments, and with small iron hook at center of upper edge; on front, triangular pediment, all three sides consisting of three rectangular strips set on edge, the outermost plain, the inner two denticulated and bearing traces of gesso, containing triangular panel with menorah in reddish brown paint, and with triangular panels with reddish brown geometric decoration filling upper corners of plaque; below pediment, at sides of panel, two columns with groups of horizontal grooves at top and bottom, resting on plain horizontal strip at bottom of panel; between columns, rectangular panel with carefully executed circular hole at center, surrounded by simple molding; behind and secured by this panel, mirror with convex surface; back of plaque has single panel with incised decoration of figure in full-length robe with either large nimbus or mantle billowing behind head, standing beneath shallow arch supported by spirally fluted columns with capitals and bases.
Provenance

Provenance Remark

Provenance information not currently available online. Please check back in the coming weeks.