Mirror - Antique Mirror by Nakahara Settsu no Kami Fujiwara Mitushige (中原摂津守藤原光重) - (No Reserve Price)

【Important notes】

・International buyers are responsible for any import duties, taxes, and charges not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please note that VAT paid to Catawiki is separate from and does not cover import duties or customs charges in your country. You may still be required to pay additional fees upon delivery, as determined by your local customs authorities.
・Shipping Details: Most items are shipped via Japan Post EMS (airmail). If you are in a hurry, we can arrange shipping via DHL or FedEx upon request for an additional fee.
・Damage and Issues: If you receive a damaged item, please contact us immediately. The damage must be reported to your local post office within 7 days of delivery, and promptly to us and Catawiki support.

【Product details】

An exceptional Edo period or later cast copper mirror with finely executed raised relief decoration, featuring the auspicious motifs of pine, bamboo, and plum alongside cranes and turtles. The reverse is finely worked in relief and bears the inscription Nakahara Settsu no Kami Fujiwara Mitsushige. The character 重 appears imperfect, likely due to incomplete metal flow during the casting process, a flaw that occurred at the time of manufacture rather than later damage.

Mirrors by Nakahara Settsu no Kami are known examples of high-quality Edo-period bronze casting, and a comparable cast copper mirror by this maker is held in the collection of the Takaoka City Museum, underscoring the historical and cultural significance of this work.

The motifs are deeply symbolic and traditionally associated with good fortune. Pine, bamboo, and plum together represent perseverance, integrity, and renewal, as they endure winter and bloom early. Cranes and turtles are classic symbols of longevity and prosperity, making this mirror a highly auspicious object that would have been associated with celebration, protection, and long life.

The mirror is housed in its original wooden black-lacquered case. The surface shows age-related wear, patina, areas of green oxidation, and soiling. The rattan wrapping around the handle has breaks and losses. The lacquered case shows soiling, lacquer losses, small scratches, and notable damage to the inner wooden frame where the mirror fits. Please refer to the photos for details.

Dimensions of Mirror: approx. H 32.8 cm W 23.4 cm D 0.5 cm
Dimensions of Case: approx. H 38 cm W 26.4 cm D 3 cm

・Please make sure to review all the provided information and images before placing your bid.
・We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance.

Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!