Japanese Kagami or Hand Mirror

Cranes wade through reeds on the back, and one has taken flight above them.

This kagami or hand mirror comes from Japan and dates to the Meiji Period (1868 – 1912 CE). It is bronze. Japanese hand mirrors of this kind were polished on one face, with the reverse left for decoration, and designs such as cranes are often chosen for their association with long life. The reverse is engraved with a group of cranes among water and reeds, plus two large calligraphic characters and a few smaller inscribed ones. The warm brown surface is worn smooth, and a handle wrapped in fine ridged banding extends below. It is 9 inches wide and 12.5 high.

A mirror that took care to be worth looking at from behind.