Edo Period Japanese Bronze Mirror With Lacquer Box Japan Mid 1800s

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Description

Antique Japanese Bronze Mirror decorated with a scene of clouds swirling over two intertwinning pine trees, symbol of long life, … Read more Antique Japanese Bronze Mirror decorated with a scene of clouds swirling over two intertwinning pine trees, symbol of long life, on a promontory with waves brraking against it. Large Japanese characters are superimposed over the scene and signature of the maker on left side of mirror in smaller characters.
Some of these mirrors, or Kagami, were used in Shinto shrines in rituals but more commonly they were given as expensive wedding gifts or purchased by well to do customers. Originally they were smaller in size, around 4 inches diameter with no handles, but they got larger as hair styles changed.
The Kagami were used since the Edo Period until early 1900's.
Condition: There is slight verde gris oxidation in spots on the front of mirror. The mirror side is not very reflective, these mirrors had to be polished once a year. The bamboo wrapping is present and in good condition some loose strands but there. The lacquer box is in Fair condition it has scratches, cracks and marks and lacquer not polished. Please look at all images.
Measurements: (Mirror) - 12 inches high x 8 1/2 inches wide x 1/4 inch deep - (Lacquer Box) - 15 1/4 inches high x 10 1/4 inches wide x 1 1/2 inches deep See less