Gold and Silver Inlaid Mirror with Hunting Motif

The "Hosokawa Mirror": A Masterpiece of Ancient Chinese Metalwork Preserved in Tokyo

Hidden within the tranquil grounds of the Eisei Bunko Museum in Tokyo's Mejiro-dai district lies one of the most extraordinary archaeological treasures in Japan — the Gold and Silver Inlaid Bronze Mirror with Hunting Scene Design (金銀錯狩猟文鏡, Kinginsakushūryōmonkyō). Designated as a National Treasure of Japan, this exquisite bronze mirror dates back to China's Warring States period (4th–3rd century BC) and is internationally celebrated as the "Hosokawa Mirror." Its breathtaking artistry, achieved through the meticulous inlay of gold and silver threads into bronze, offers a rare glimpse into the pinnacle of ancient Chinese metalworking craftsmanship.

What Is the Gold and Silver Inlaid Hunting Scene Mirror?

The Kinginsakushūryōmonkyō is a circular bronze mirror approximately 17.5 centimeters in diameter, excavated from an ancient tomb at Jincun (金村) near Luoyang in Henan Province, China. Unlike ordinary bronze mirrors of the period, this piece features a remarkable double-layer construction: a white bronze reflective surface fitted into a separately cast bronze back plate decorated with elaborate inlaid designs.

The reverse side of the mirror — its decorative face — is adorned with three swirling beast-scroll motifs arranged symmetrically, and between them, three magnificent scenes rendered in extraordinarily fine gold and silver wire. The first depicts an armed horseman brandishing a sword while a tiger lunges toward him in fierce combat. The second shows two mythical beasts locked in battle. The third portrays a majestic phoenix with outstretched wings. These scenes were created using the "gold and silver inlay" (金銀錯) technique, in which thin grooves are carved into the bronze surface and filled with precious metal threads to form detailed imagery.

Why Was It Designated a National Treasure?

The mirror was designated as a National Treasure of Japan on June 15, 1967, in recognition of its extraordinary artistic and historical significance. Among the many bronze mirrors produced during China's Warring States period — an era renowned for its metallurgical achievements — this mirror stands as one of the finest surviving examples. The official designation notes that it represents the very essence of Chinese decorative arts at their peak.

Several factors contribute to its exceptional status. The gold and silver inlay technique displayed on this mirror reaches a level of refinement rarely seen in any surviving artifact from the period. The extremely fine metallic threads used to depict the hunting scenes and mythical creatures demonstrate a mastery of both metallurgy and artistic expression. Furthermore, the mirror's excellent state of preservation allows modern viewers to appreciate the full brilliance of its design, making it an invaluable resource for understanding the decorative arts of ancient China. Its provenance from the Jincun tombs near Luoyang, believed to have been the burial site of Eastern Zhou royalty, suggests that this mirror was created for a person of the highest social standing.

The Hosokawa Collection and Eisei Bunko Museum

The mirror takes its internationally recognized nickname, the "Hosokawa Mirror," from its collector — Hosokawa Moritatsu (細川護立, 1883–1970), the 16th-generation head of the Hosokawa clan. Moritatsu was known as the "Art Lord" (美術の殿様) for his passionate devotion to art collecting. Although he had never previously shown interest in ancient mirrors, he was so captivated upon first seeing this piece that he immediately decided to acquire it.

The Eisei Bunko Museum, founded by Moritatsu in 1950, is situated on the grounds of the former Hosokawa family estate in Mejiro-dai, Bunkyo Ward. It is the only museum in Tokyo dedicated to a single daimyo (feudal lord) family's collection. The museum holds approximately 94,000 items, including 8 designated National Treasures and 35 Important Cultural Properties, encompassing samurai armor, tea ceremony utensils, calligraphy, painting, and archaeological artifacts passed down through the Hosokawa family over 700 years of history.

Highlights and Points of Interest

The Gold and Silver Inlaid Hunting Scene Mirror captivates viewers with several remarkable features. The hunting scene, from which the mirror takes its name, is particularly striking: the mounted warrior with his sword raised, the leaping tiger — every muscle tensed — and the dynamic sense of movement are all conveyed through wire no thicker than a hair. The phoenix motif, with its wide-spread wings rendered in alternating gold and silver lines, demonstrates an astonishing command of decorative composition.

Visitors should also appreciate the mirror's structural ingenuity. The two-layer construction — combining a white bronze reflective surface with a separately cast decorative back — was an advanced engineering achievement for its time. This technique allowed artisans to optimize both the mirror's reflective quality and its decorative potential.

Because this is a National Treasure of extraordinary rarity, it is not on permanent display. The mirror is exhibited only during special exhibitions held every few years at the Eisei Bunko Museum. Prospective visitors are strongly encouraged to check the museum's official website for upcoming exhibition schedules.

Exploring the Surrounding Area

The Eisei Bunko Museum is located in one of Tokyo's most cultured and leafy neighborhoods. A visit can easily be combined with several nearby attractions for a rewarding half-day excursion.

Directly adjacent to the museum is the Higo-Hosokawa Garden (肥後細川庭園), a beautifully maintained traditional Japanese strolling garden built on the former Hosokawa estate grounds. Admission to the garden is free, and visitors can enjoy the serene pond, seasonal flowers, and the historic Shōseikaku building, once used as the Hosokawa family's study hall. The garden offers matcha tea service with views of the pond.

A short walk away is the Sekiguchi Bashō-an, a memorial site associated with the famous haiku poet Matsuo Bashō, who once lived in this area. Nearby, the Tokyo Cathedral of St. Mary — designed by the renowned architect Kenzo Tange — features a striking modernist design that contrasts beautifully with the traditional aesthetics of the garden and museum. Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, originally built on a garden established by Meiji-era statesman Yamagata Aritomo, is also within walking distance and offers splendid gardens of its own.