A Masterpiece of Warring States Bronze
The Gold and Silver Inlaid Mirror with Hunting Motif (金銀錯狩猟文鏡) is a Warring States Chinese mirror excavated from an ancient tomb at Luoyang, Henan Province, now at the Eisei Bunko in Mejirodai, Bunkyo City, Tokyo, which in 1967 was designated a National Treasure.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records one mirror, first designated under the old system in 1937.
According to the Agency, it is one of the finest mirrors of the Warring States period.
The Design
According to the Agency, the back shows an armed rider wielding a sword in his right hand as a tiger leaps at him, two strange beasts fighting, and a bird with outspread wings, apparently a phoenix.
These scenes are rendered in extremely fine lines of inlaid gold and silver.
What to Look For
The Agency notes that fine mirrors were made in China from the Warring States period on, and that this is among the very best, showing the essence of Chinese craftsmanship.
Notice the inlay technique that draws the tense hunting scene in fine lines of gold and silver.
Visiting the Gold and Silver Inlaid Mirror with Hunting Motif
The Eisei Bunko is open 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (last entry 4:00 p.m.), closed on Mondays and some other days. Admission is 1,000 yen for adults, 800 yen for those 70 and over, 500 yen for university and high school students, and free for younger children.
The mirror is not always on display; check the Eisei Bunko's exhibition schedule.
Q&A
- When was the mirror designated a National Treasure?
- On 15 June 1967.
- Where was it found?
- In an ancient tomb at Luoyang, Henan.
- What does it show?
- A rider fighting a tiger, fighting beasts and a phoenix-like bird.
- What technique is used?
- Inlay in extremely fine lines of gold and silver.
- Where can I see it?
- At the Eisei Bunko in Tokyo, when on display.
Basic Information
| Name | Gold and Silver Inlaid Mirror with Hunting Motif (金銀錯狩猟文鏡) |
|---|---|
| Location | Eisei Bunko, 1-1-1 Mejirodai, Bunkyo City, Tokyo |
| Designation | National Treasure (archaeological materials) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1967/6/15 (Showa 42); earlier designation 1937/5/25 |
| Quantity | 1 mirror |
| Dimensions | Not recorded in the Agency for Cultural Affairs database |
| Owner | Not recorded in the Agency for Cultural Affairs database |
| Public Access | Check display dates with the Eisei Bunko |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Gold and Silver Inlaid Mirror (Japanese)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/201/319
- Cultural Heritage Online: Gold and Silver Inlaid Mirror (Japanese)
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/159245
- Eisei Bunko official website (Japanese)
- https://eiseibunko.com/
Last verified: 2026.09.29