POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Blackwood-framed standing mirror

Object No. H7751

This mirror with carved wooden stand is a modern adaptation of an ancient form of Chinese furniture. From at least the time of the Eastern Zhou period (771-256BCE), upper class Chinese used single panel screens made of wood, jade or ivory. These were decorated with many different scenes, including landscapes, flowers, birds and auspicious symbols. Originally, this type of table screen was used to block a straight path, such as an entry in front of a door. According to Chinese folk belief, evil spirits could not walk around corners. Therefore, the stand blocked the straight path through the door, keeping the evil spirits away. Today, Chinese use these screens in even more diverse ways. Its substantial size makes it a striking object for interior decoration. They have also been adapted into mirrors, as demonstrated with this particular example. In this mirror, the wooden base is decorated with auspicious symbols including the 'shou (longevity)' medallion and eight treasures motifs. The 'Eight Immortals' are also carved in the middle panel. The 'Eight Immortals' are a group of legendary Taoist immortals in Chinese mythology. The 'Eight' were originally from the mortal world. Among these include an imperial family member, beggar and Taoist priest. There are interesting stories behind the way each of these became 'Immortal'. Their names are (from left to right) - Cao Guo Jiu, Li Tie Guai, Lan Cai He, Lu Dong Bin, Zhongli Quan, Han Ziang Zi, Zhang Guo Lao and He Xian Gu. The instruments the 'Eight Immortals' are holding, respectively include - a jade tablet of admission to court, a gourd bottle, sword, fan, flute, bamboo tube-drum and a lotus flower. Min-Jung Kim Cuator September 2015