First, antique pseudo-identification In the ancient Chinese bronze mirror identification work, the identification of antique mirror is an important aspect, especially some antique mirror imitation realistic, it has a certain degree of difficulty. At present, there are a number of antique mirrors in bronze mirrors collected in various places in China, and few people have studied in this area. In order to identify antique mirrors, we must first understand the type of mirrors and the age of the mirrors, especially the features and laws of the mirrors in different eras.
Second, the time of the so-called imitation mirror The era of the so-called mirror, including two aspects, one is when in our country began to produce antique mirror? The second is the imitation of what mirrors in the mirror?
One opinion is that antique bronze mirrors began in the Tang Dynasty. After the Song Dynasty, courts and folk antique mirrors prevailed. All kinds of mirrors were simulated. One opinion is that the antique mirror began in the Song Dynasty, the Tang Dynasty did not follow the Han mirror, and the Han mirror began in the Song Dynasty. Another opinion is that Song does not follow Han Mirror. Many of the Song Mirrors in the past have been considered as mirrors of the Ming Dynasty.
Only from the time of imitation mirrors, the opinions are divergent and unresolved. It can be seen that the research and identification of imitation mirrors is a matter of urgency for the vast number of cultural relics and archaeologists, because it involves many aspects such as identification, collection, purchase, and sale, and must be done with caution.
Third, the imitation of the tactics From the current knowledge, imitation mirror is nothing more than two methods, one is to use the early mirror directly to turn the mold, and the second is to use the script to model, the former method is simple, easy to make, identify them, said easy to change , it is difficult to say that it is difficult. Because the original mirror pattern, inscription clarity, smooth lines, and direct conversion mirror, although the mirror is the same, but often decorated, inscriptions are blurred, the lines are not smooth, it appears to stagnate. At first glance, the feeling is different and easy to identify. However, there are some real mirrors. Due to the age, the production is not good, the inscriptions and ornamentation are also vague, and some imitation mirrors are also very good. It is not easy to use these standards to determine the fake mirrors. In the case of mirrors, patterns, and inscriptions, it is also necessary to pay attention to the copper and thick lenses of the copper mirror.
The use of the original lens as a model to simulate the situation is more complicated. There are at least two cases. First, the original mirror pattern and inscriptions are completely modeled on the model. Although the bronze mirrors cast are different, the inscriptions and patterns are similar, and they need to be compared to determine whether they are mirrors. The second is that although the original mirror was used as a mirror, the mirror maker added engravings and inscriptions to the mirror. Some of the mirrors that were cast out were not compatible with the era of the Ming Dynasty. For example, it was clearly the Chinese mirror that was added to the common words in Ming Dynasty mirrors; Some shapes and patterns vary. As long as you are familiar with Chinese bronze mirrors, these mirrors are easy to identify.
IV. Types of mirrors The types of mirrors in different eras are different. Even if they are mirrors of the same type, the imitation of different eras also has a focus.
The Tang Dynasty imitation mirror:
Does the Tang Dynasty have a mirror? There are still different views. Mr. Cheng Changxin once said: See Tang Hanjing. In addition, "Shaanxi Province Unearthed Bronze Mirrors" once had two imitation Han Mirrors unearthed in tombs. If the era of tombstone burial is correct, then this two-side bronze mirror should be a reliable Tang-like mirror.
Song imitation mirror:
As mentioned earlier, some people think that Song is not like Han Jing, and some people think that Song has been like Han Jing, but it is mainly a Tang mirror. According to current information, the Song Dynasty has indeed mirrored bronze mirrors of Han and Tang dynasties.
Imitation Han Mirror: Sun Mirror, Zhao Ming Mirror, Clear Mirror, Portrait Mirror, Specular Mirror, Dragon Mirror,
Gold imitation mirror:
The Jin Dynasty mainly embodies the patterns of Han, Tang and Song Mirrors.
Han-like mirror: Nebula mirror, four-milk "homely rich" mirror, Nikkei, Zhao Ming mirror, the rules of the mirror, the four-animal mirror, portrait mirror, clear white mirror, Dragon and Tiger mirror.
Imitation Tang mirror: sea animal grape mirror up.
Inscription Song mirror: flower mirror, gossip mirror, Huzhou without mirror.
Imitation mirrors during the Ming and Qing Dynasties:
The antique atmosphere is very strong, and the courts and folks are all imitations. The mirrors in each period are imitations. Imitation of the Warring States Mirror: Nikko mirror, Zhao Ming mirror, the rules of the mirror, Panlong mirror, Dragon and Tiger mirror, Shuangfeng mirror, portrait mirror, squint mirror. Imitation Tang mirror: sea animal grape mirror, bird mirror, curved animal mirror. Imitation Song Jinjing: Character story mirror, Huzhou mirror, Pisces mirror, inscription mirror.
From the perspective of the types of mirrors in each of the above eras, Han Dynasty's Daylight, Zhaoming and other inscriptions, rules and mirrors, portrait mirrors, dragon and tiger mirrors, Tang Dynasty's beast and grape mirrors, wild beast mirrors, flower and bird mirrors, Huzhou mirrors and gossip mirrors of the Song Dynasty Etc. are important mirrors that are copied later. Among them, the sunlight and Zhaoming mirror of the Han Dynasty were almost imitation. The imitations of the various eras have clearly defined the scope of the identification of the fake mirrors.
Different eras, bronze mirrors have different characteristics, will be influenced by politics, economy, ideology, culture and customs at that time. What is true mirror and what is the mirror? We believe that the imitation mirror has the characteristics of a real mirror, but after all, it is not a product of that era, and it will inevitably reveal certain features of the time in which the imitation mirror is located. It is extremely important to summarize the imitation characteristics of different eras.
Fifth, the characteristics of imitation mirrors in various eras We believe that to master the characteristics of imitation mirrors of various eras, the most important thing is to understand the characteristics of bronze mirrors of various eras, namely the shape system, ornamentation, inscriptions, and bronze. These have been explained above and do not have to be repeated. There are also several important features that need to be emphasized here.
Copper is different. Since the period after the Song Dynasty was an important change in the composition of the copper mirror alloy in China, the amount of tin was significantly reduced, the amount of lead was increased, and the proportion of zinc was also increased. Therefore, there are changes in copper and color. This should be an important aspect of identifying antique mirrors and real mirrors.
Song imitation mirror texture is not as good as Han Tang mirror. Softer, brassy, ​​red in yellow. The gold imitation mirror is generally slightly yellowish than the bronze mirror of the imitation Song mirror. Although the imitation mirror of the Ming and Qing courts is brassy, ​​but the imitation mirror yellow in the flash, the imitation mirror yellow in the flash yellow.
The product is different. Changes in the composition of the alloy, resulting in different texture and color, will inevitably affect the quality of the bronze mirror. Song Jinxin's copper mirror is rough, its ornamentation is ambiguous, and its lines are thick. In the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the mirror-like decoration is far less refined than the Han and Tang Dynasties, and also Wang Ru Song Jing. This is closely related to the sharp deceleration of tin content in the Moon, Ming and Qing Dynasties, and a significant increase in zinc content. Of course, imitation mirrors in the Ming and Qing dynasties are also good.
Different shapes. Although the bronze mirror is generally small and the back area of ​​the mirror is small, in this small area, the craftsmen of various eras have refurbished various aspects such as ornamentation, inscriptions, appearance, and dividing lines, edges, buttons, and buttons. Change. We compare the features of different parts of different eras and master even minor changes, which is also an important aspect of distinguishing real mirrors from fake mirrors. Just to name a few:
Song imitation Tang Ling flower-shaped, sunflower-shaped mirror, Tang Dynasty, these mirrors are in and out of the shape, and the Song Dynasty more than six appearances, even if the eight forms, Tang and Song arc curvature is not the same. In the imitation of the Jin Dynasty, no matter how imitation can be used for the dynasty, if there are characters and paintings that are inspected by the official government, it is easy to discern.
In the Ming and Qing dynasties, mirror mirrors have a straight edge and distinct edges and corners. The difference between the buttons is larger. In the Ming Dynasty, there were many silver ingots, the top of the Ming and Qing dynasties was much larger than that of the Song and Yuan dynasty mirrors, and many inscriptions were cast on flat tops. add content. As mentioned earlier, when the original mirror was used to model the model, the craftsman added some ornamentation and inscriptions. According to some of the data we have seen, the number of patterns and Ming inscriptions in the content and form are arbitrarily strong and do not have very clear rules. However, from the increase in the number of imitation mirrors, the increase in the number of inscriptions has increased. Most of these postscripts added are the names of those who cast mirrors, shops, and craftsmen. A very small number should be the names of bronze mirror users.
From the point of view of increasing the inscription, there are several different situations, depending on the content of the original mirror. In the original mirror, only the patterns were not inscribed, and the added inscriptions were mostly in one or two places of the pattern, suppressing part of the original pattern. The inner area of ​​the original mirror is an inscription on the outer area of ​​the ornament. Some of the additional images are placed in the ornament. There is no inscription on the original mirror. If it is a single circle with an inscription mirror, the added inscription is added to the original inscription band. If it is a two-week circle inscription, the added inscription is generally added to the inscription on the outer ring.
In summary statistics, the added inscriptions are: Gong, Chen, Sun, Yi, Cao, Li, Lu, Zhao, Ma, Yan Jia, Cao Pu, Kong Ji, Lv Zao, Ma Qing, Lu Jiazao, Zhang Jiazao, Li Tai Shan made, Li Pu bronze, filling Li Jingzhen as pigs and dogs, Bao Jia Baohuan bronze, Xie Shaotang made Baohuan bronze and so on.
Some of these added contents are extremely obvious, while others are more subtle. Originally, the mirror is a flat surface and has a small area. It can be seen at a glance. However, sometimes the pattern is complex and vague, and it is not paid enough attention to certain important records. Mistakes have also been made, and the imitation mirrors that added content later were set as mirrors of the original era.
VI. Weak Links During the identification, appreciation, and learning of bronze mirrors, the vast number of cultural relics and archaeologists and bronze mirror enthusiasts, as well as experts in the study of bronze mirrors, all felt that the Warring States and Han Tang mirrors were in good condition. If it is difficult to do so, it will be difficult to find a mirror after the Five Dynasties. It is precisely because it is difficult to identify the ancient times. Other cultural relic identification has this kind of situation, we do not want to make comments, the field of bronze mirror really does exist this problem. For a long time, antique collectors have been fond of Han Tangjing. The bronze mirrors must be praised for Han and Tang dynasties. First, there was insufficient recognition of the mirror of the Warring States Period. Second, the importance attached to the mirrors of the Song Dynasty was insufficient. Even if they entered Tibet, the analysis and research were poor. After the formation of this wind, it has influenced so far and it has only attracted scholars' attention until now. The famous scholar Li Xueqin was right: "The history of the latter half of the development of ancient mirrors is half-dark, and many difficult questions are not clear."
On the other hand, in the past 40 years, many bronze mirrors have been unearthed in the ancient tombs of the Han and Tang dynasties. The data are reliable and researches are more numerous. Therefore, the stages, types, and development sequences of the Han Tang mirror, especially Han Mirror, are basically clear. The next step is to deepen the work. Researched.
The seriousness of the problem lies in the fact that many mirrors, cultural relics shops, and cultural relics markets have more mirrors in this period. Because the times are uncertain, they are not publicly available. In the history of the development of bronze mirrors in China, when will the history of the latter half of the “semi-darkness†be clearly defined? From the standpoint of sorting out Chinese cultural heritage and strengthening academic research, in terms of practical collection, sorting, collecting, and other work needs, it is imperative to strengthen research and identification of Song and later bronze mirrors.
Second, the time of the so-called imitation mirror The era of the so-called mirror, including two aspects, one is when in our country began to produce antique mirror? The second is the imitation of what mirrors in the mirror?
One opinion is that antique bronze mirrors began in the Tang Dynasty. After the Song Dynasty, courts and folk antique mirrors prevailed. All kinds of mirrors were simulated. One opinion is that the antique mirror began in the Song Dynasty, the Tang Dynasty did not follow the Han mirror, and the Han mirror began in the Song Dynasty. Another opinion is that Song does not follow Han Mirror. Many of the Song Mirrors in the past have been considered as mirrors of the Ming Dynasty.
Only from the time of imitation mirrors, the opinions are divergent and unresolved. It can be seen that the research and identification of imitation mirrors is a matter of urgency for the vast number of cultural relics and archaeologists, because it involves many aspects such as identification, collection, purchase, and sale, and must be done with caution.
Third, the imitation of the tactics From the current knowledge, imitation mirror is nothing more than two methods, one is to use the early mirror directly to turn the mold, and the second is to use the script to model, the former method is simple, easy to make, identify them, said easy to change , it is difficult to say that it is difficult. Because the original mirror pattern, inscription clarity, smooth lines, and direct conversion mirror, although the mirror is the same, but often decorated, inscriptions are blurred, the lines are not smooth, it appears to stagnate. At first glance, the feeling is different and easy to identify. However, there are some real mirrors. Due to the age, the production is not good, the inscriptions and ornamentation are also vague, and some imitation mirrors are also very good. It is not easy to use these standards to determine the fake mirrors. In the case of mirrors, patterns, and inscriptions, it is also necessary to pay attention to the copper and thick lenses of the copper mirror.
The use of the original lens as a model to simulate the situation is more complicated. There are at least two cases. First, the original mirror pattern and inscriptions are completely modeled on the model. Although the bronze mirrors cast are different, the inscriptions and patterns are similar, and they need to be compared to determine whether they are mirrors. The second is that although the original mirror was used as a mirror, the mirror maker added engravings and inscriptions to the mirror. Some of the mirrors that were cast out were not compatible with the era of the Ming Dynasty. For example, it was clearly the Chinese mirror that was added to the common words in Ming Dynasty mirrors; Some shapes and patterns vary. As long as you are familiar with Chinese bronze mirrors, these mirrors are easy to identify.
IV. Types of mirrors The types of mirrors in different eras are different. Even if they are mirrors of the same type, the imitation of different eras also has a focus.
The Tang Dynasty imitation mirror:
Does the Tang Dynasty have a mirror? There are still different views. Mr. Cheng Changxin once said: See Tang Hanjing. In addition, "Shaanxi Province Unearthed Bronze Mirrors" once had two imitation Han Mirrors unearthed in tombs. If the era of tombstone burial is correct, then this two-side bronze mirror should be a reliable Tang-like mirror.
Song imitation mirror:
As mentioned earlier, some people think that Song is not like Han Jing, and some people think that Song has been like Han Jing, but it is mainly a Tang mirror. According to current information, the Song Dynasty has indeed mirrored bronze mirrors of Han and Tang dynasties.
Imitation Han Mirror: Sun Mirror, Zhao Ming Mirror, Clear Mirror, Portrait Mirror, Specular Mirror, Dragon Mirror,
Gold imitation mirror:
The Jin Dynasty mainly embodies the patterns of Han, Tang and Song Mirrors.
Han-like mirror: Nebula mirror, four-milk "homely rich" mirror, Nikkei, Zhao Ming mirror, the rules of the mirror, the four-animal mirror, portrait mirror, clear white mirror, Dragon and Tiger mirror.
Imitation Tang mirror: sea animal grape mirror up.
Inscription Song mirror: flower mirror, gossip mirror, Huzhou without mirror.
Imitation mirrors during the Ming and Qing Dynasties:
The antique atmosphere is very strong, and the courts and folks are all imitations. The mirrors in each period are imitations. Imitation of the Warring States Mirror: Nikko mirror, Zhao Ming mirror, the rules of the mirror, Panlong mirror, Dragon and Tiger mirror, Shuangfeng mirror, portrait mirror, squint mirror. Imitation Tang mirror: sea animal grape mirror, bird mirror, curved animal mirror. Imitation Song Jinjing: Character story mirror, Huzhou mirror, Pisces mirror, inscription mirror.
From the perspective of the types of mirrors in each of the above eras, Han Dynasty's Daylight, Zhaoming and other inscriptions, rules and mirrors, portrait mirrors, dragon and tiger mirrors, Tang Dynasty's beast and grape mirrors, wild beast mirrors, flower and bird mirrors, Huzhou mirrors and gossip mirrors of the Song Dynasty Etc. are important mirrors that are copied later. Among them, the sunlight and Zhaoming mirror of the Han Dynasty were almost imitation. The imitations of the various eras have clearly defined the scope of the identification of the fake mirrors.
Different eras, bronze mirrors have different characteristics, will be influenced by politics, economy, ideology, culture and customs at that time. What is true mirror and what is the mirror? We believe that the imitation mirror has the characteristics of a real mirror, but after all, it is not a product of that era, and it will inevitably reveal certain features of the time in which the imitation mirror is located. It is extremely important to summarize the imitation characteristics of different eras.
Fifth, the characteristics of imitation mirrors in various eras We believe that to master the characteristics of imitation mirrors of various eras, the most important thing is to understand the characteristics of bronze mirrors of various eras, namely the shape system, ornamentation, inscriptions, and bronze. These have been explained above and do not have to be repeated. There are also several important features that need to be emphasized here.
Copper is different. Since the period after the Song Dynasty was an important change in the composition of the copper mirror alloy in China, the amount of tin was significantly reduced, the amount of lead was increased, and the proportion of zinc was also increased. Therefore, there are changes in copper and color. This should be an important aspect of identifying antique mirrors and real mirrors.
Song imitation mirror texture is not as good as Han Tang mirror. Softer, brassy, ​​red in yellow. The gold imitation mirror is generally slightly yellowish than the bronze mirror of the imitation Song mirror. Although the imitation mirror of the Ming and Qing courts is brassy, ​​but the imitation mirror yellow in the flash, the imitation mirror yellow in the flash yellow.
The product is different. Changes in the composition of the alloy, resulting in different texture and color, will inevitably affect the quality of the bronze mirror. Song Jinxin's copper mirror is rough, its ornamentation is ambiguous, and its lines are thick. In the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the mirror-like decoration is far less refined than the Han and Tang Dynasties, and also Wang Ru Song Jing. This is closely related to the sharp deceleration of tin content in the Moon, Ming and Qing Dynasties, and a significant increase in zinc content. Of course, imitation mirrors in the Ming and Qing dynasties are also good.
Different shapes. Although the bronze mirror is generally small and the back area of ​​the mirror is small, in this small area, the craftsmen of various eras have refurbished various aspects such as ornamentation, inscriptions, appearance, and dividing lines, edges, buttons, and buttons. Change. We compare the features of different parts of different eras and master even minor changes, which is also an important aspect of distinguishing real mirrors from fake mirrors. Just to name a few:
Song imitation Tang Ling flower-shaped, sunflower-shaped mirror, Tang Dynasty, these mirrors are in and out of the shape, and the Song Dynasty more than six appearances, even if the eight forms, Tang and Song arc curvature is not the same. In the imitation of the Jin Dynasty, no matter how imitation can be used for the dynasty, if there are characters and paintings that are inspected by the official government, it is easy to discern.
In the Ming and Qing dynasties, mirror mirrors have a straight edge and distinct edges and corners. The difference between the buttons is larger. In the Ming Dynasty, there were many silver ingots, the top of the Ming and Qing dynasties was much larger than that of the Song and Yuan dynasty mirrors, and many inscriptions were cast on flat tops. add content. As mentioned earlier, when the original mirror was used to model the model, the craftsman added some ornamentation and inscriptions. According to some of the data we have seen, the number of patterns and Ming inscriptions in the content and form are arbitrarily strong and do not have very clear rules. However, from the increase in the number of imitation mirrors, the increase in the number of inscriptions has increased. Most of these postscripts added are the names of those who cast mirrors, shops, and craftsmen. A very small number should be the names of bronze mirror users.
From the point of view of increasing the inscription, there are several different situations, depending on the content of the original mirror. In the original mirror, only the patterns were not inscribed, and the added inscriptions were mostly in one or two places of the pattern, suppressing part of the original pattern. The inner area of ​​the original mirror is an inscription on the outer area of ​​the ornament. Some of the additional images are placed in the ornament. There is no inscription on the original mirror. If it is a single circle with an inscription mirror, the added inscription is added to the original inscription band. If it is a two-week circle inscription, the added inscription is generally added to the inscription on the outer ring.
In summary statistics, the added inscriptions are: Gong, Chen, Sun, Yi, Cao, Li, Lu, Zhao, Ma, Yan Jia, Cao Pu, Kong Ji, Lv Zao, Ma Qing, Lu Jiazao, Zhang Jiazao, Li Tai Shan made, Li Pu bronze, filling Li Jingzhen as pigs and dogs, Bao Jia Baohuan bronze, Xie Shaotang made Baohuan bronze and so on.
Some of these added contents are extremely obvious, while others are more subtle. Originally, the mirror is a flat surface and has a small area. It can be seen at a glance. However, sometimes the pattern is complex and vague, and it is not paid enough attention to certain important records. Mistakes have also been made, and the imitation mirrors that added content later were set as mirrors of the original era.
VI. Weak Links During the identification, appreciation, and learning of bronze mirrors, the vast number of cultural relics and archaeologists and bronze mirror enthusiasts, as well as experts in the study of bronze mirrors, all felt that the Warring States and Han Tang mirrors were in good condition. If it is difficult to do so, it will be difficult to find a mirror after the Five Dynasties. It is precisely because it is difficult to identify the ancient times. Other cultural relic identification has this kind of situation, we do not want to make comments, the field of bronze mirror really does exist this problem. For a long time, antique collectors have been fond of Han Tangjing. The bronze mirrors must be praised for Han and Tang dynasties. First, there was insufficient recognition of the mirror of the Warring States Period. Second, the importance attached to the mirrors of the Song Dynasty was insufficient. Even if they entered Tibet, the analysis and research were poor. After the formation of this wind, it has influenced so far and it has only attracted scholars' attention until now. The famous scholar Li Xueqin was right: "The history of the latter half of the development of ancient mirrors is half-dark, and many difficult questions are not clear."
On the other hand, in the past 40 years, many bronze mirrors have been unearthed in the ancient tombs of the Han and Tang dynasties. The data are reliable and researches are more numerous. Therefore, the stages, types, and development sequences of the Han Tang mirror, especially Han Mirror, are basically clear. The next step is to deepen the work. Researched.
The seriousness of the problem lies in the fact that many mirrors, cultural relics shops, and cultural relics markets have more mirrors in this period. Because the times are uncertain, they are not publicly available. In the history of the development of bronze mirrors in China, when will the history of the latter half of the “semi-darkness†be clearly defined? From the standpoint of sorting out Chinese cultural heritage and strengthening academic research, in terms of practical collection, sorting, collecting, and other work needs, it is imperative to strengthen research and identification of Song and later bronze mirrors.
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