The most popular is the "ward off evil" theory, that is, the bronze mirror has had the function of warding off evil spirits since ancient times, so it is unlucky to illuminate people head-on, and it can even invite disasters. So out of the need to protect the audience, the museum is very considerate to only exhibit the back.
But the real reason, in fact, is not so magical - that is, it can't look at people. These ancient bronze mirrors that have been tested by time should theoretically be smooth on the front, but in fact they are covered with green rust, which is not only unable to illuminate people, but also has no ornamentality. In the words of one museum director, he replied to the media: "There is really nothing to see." ”
The front and back of the bronze mirror
In addition, popular science:
Copper mirrors are generally cast in bronze with a high tin content. In ancient times, the earliest Shang Dynasty was used to sacrifice the appearance of ceremonial utensils, in the Spring and Autumn Warring States to Qin is generally only kings and nobles to enjoy, to the end of the Western Han Dynasty bronze mirror slowly to the folk, is an indispensable living tool for people. The bronze mirror is well-made, beautiful in shape, gorgeous in pattern and rich in inscriptions, and is a treasure in the cultural heritage of ancient Chinese bronze art.
Xi'an Museum collection of Tang Dynasty "Double Luan Flower Bird Mirror"
Sea beast grape pattern copper mirror
Excavated in Xixiang County, Hanzhong District, Shaanxi In 1980, with a diameter of 29 centimeters, it is collected by the Shaanxi History Museum. Round, reclining beast button, mirror divided into two zones. The inner area is decorated with six beasts climbing the grape branches, and the birds and beasts in the outer area shuttle between the grape branches and leaves in the same direction, which is vivid and lively. The pattern has a strong sense of three-dimensionality.
Tai Shi Nine Year Divine Beast Mirror
In the ninth year of the Western Jin Dynasty (273 AD), it was excavated in Qi County, Henan Province, and is now in the Henan Museum. Diameter 17.7 cm, mirror round, spherical button, button outside the relief around the sacred beast, Jiejia seat immortal, there is a sealed inscription: "Tai Shi 9 March 7 Zhang Shi Zuo Qing Tong (copper) Jing (mirror) □ DaGong Qing and Ming Tai Nine Years Of Ming Ru Sun moon Light on the East Wang Father Tai □ West Queen Mother □ Food □ Tianshou Ru JinShi to the Third Duke Shi Gong Prince" Yun Yun, each printed four characters, counting 64 characters.