Mirror

Mirror

Bronze

A bronze disc with a flanged edge (9mm high), perhaps one side of a box mirror, decorated on both surfaces with incised concentric circles, although on the obverse they are confined to the outer border. The obverse (reflecting) surface is very slightly convex while the reverse is slightly concave. While the flange forms an edge around both surfaces, it is much higher on the reverse side. Both surfaces are corroded and have a fine green patina in places. The obverse has patches of exposed bright purple-coloured metal. There is no sign of a hinge. Function: a disc that may have formed part of a box mirror with the obverse side originally tinned or silvered, thereby providing a reflecting surface that could be used for toiletry purposes. Decoration: A) The flange has a straight, very slightly convex profile and is grooved near the obverse surface. B) There is an incised groove encircling the obverse surface just below the flanged outer edge. Two incised grooves enclose a narrow ridged circle 7 mm inside the outer circle. C) On the reverse, incision is used to form narrow ridged circle 21 mm and 27 mm from the outer edge. The band between these ridges is slighty convex. At the centre is a small boss in the middle of a slightly convex ring. Surrounding this another convex ring between two ridges.

Roman, from Italy

Purchased from the Toussaint Collection with funds from the Castlehow Bequest, 1995.

AD 1 - 200

95.090

Purchased from the Toussaint Collection with funds from the Castlehow Bequest, 1995.