circular bronze mirror with two possibly Portuguese figures in low relief; one figure is taller, carrying two circular objects in PL hand, and object on pole over PR shoulder; second figure is shorter, carrying a plate and tray in each hand; comes with wooden display plaque

Mirror with Nanban figures, 17th century

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Nanban figures and motifs appeared on a variety of decorative objects and personal accessories such as this bronze mirror that depicts two Portuguese figures; an older man carrying a long tobacco pipe and a young servant carrying a bowl for his ashes. The term “Nanban,” literally “southern barbarians,” was originally a Chinese epithet used for Southeast Asians that the Japanese borrowed to refer to Portuguese and Spanish visitors in the sixteenth century. The term later served as a general term for all non-East Asian foreigners.

Details
Title
Mirror with Nanban figures
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2015.79.437
Catalogue Raisonne
Murase, Art through a Lifetime, no. 820
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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circular bronze mirror with two possibly Portuguese figures in low relief; one figure is taller, carrying two circular objects in PL hand, and object on pole over PR shoulder; second figure is shorter, carrying a plate and tray in each hand; comes with wooden display plaque