-Description Set of 4 Antique Meiji-Period Bronze Hand Mirrors (E-kagami) This is a beautiful set of four authentic bronze hand mirrors from Japan's Meiji period, featuring traditional Japanese decorative motifs filled with auspicious meanings. Far Left Mirror •Signature: "Matsuoka Buzen-no-kami Fujiwara Masashige" (枩岡豊前守藤原政重) •Design: Sayagata (interlocking key-fret pattern). •Symbolism: ◦Sayagata: This pattern originates from the background weave of "Saaya," a high-grade silk textile imported from China. It symbolizes "Fudan-chokyu" (eternity and perpetuity), carrying wishes for family prosperity and long life to continue forever. Second Mirror from the Left •Signature: "Fujiwara Mitsumasa" (藤原光政) •Design: Kachomon (Flowers and Birds motif). •Symbolism: ◦Flowers & Birds: Birds are seen as messengers of happiness and symbols of taking flight (success), while flowers represent vitality. Combined, they create a highly auspicious motif symbolizing happiness, prosperity, marital harmony, and success in love. Third Mirror from the Left (Second from the Right) •Signature: "Fujiwara Mitsunaga" (藤原光長) •Design: Sho-Chiku-Bai (Pine, Bamboo, and Plum blossoms). •Symbolism: ◦Sho-Chiku-Bai: A traditional auspicious symbol derived from the vitality of plants that remain green and bloom even during the harsh cold of winter. They represent longevity (Pine), growth (Bamboo), and vitality (Plum blossoms), and are essential elements for New Year celebrations and weddings. Far Right Mirror •Signature: "Fujiwara Saku" / "Made by Fujiwara" (藤原作) •Design: Gunbai (war fan) and Take-ni-Suzume (sparrows in bamboo). •Symbolism: ◦Gunbai: A symbol of victory, leadership, and successful command. ◦Take-ni-Suzume: Sparrows combined with bamboo symbolize family safety, fertility, and the prosperity of the clan. Together, this design carries a powerful meaning: "inviting victory and bringing lasting prosperity to the household." -Historical Context of Japanese Bronze Mirrors (E-kagami) •The "Fujiwara" Signature: During the Edo and Meiji periods, master mirror-makers (Kagami-shi) were granted honorary titles by the Imperial Court, allowing them to use the prestigious "Fujiwara" surname. Therefore, many high-quality mirrors bear "Fujiwara [Name]" regardless of their actual bloodline. •Family Crests & Auspicious Motifs: Hand mirrors were not merely practical items; they were highly valued as bridal dowries and formal gifts. It was customary to engrave the owner’s family crest in the center, adorned with lucky motifs (birds, flowers, pine, bamboo, or plum blossoms) wishing for long life and family prosperity. -Condition All mirrors show an authentic antique patina and aging appropriate for their period. Please inspect the photos carefully. - Dimensions (in cm) Far Left Mirror: W10.5 cm × H19 cm, Weight: 174 g Second Mirror from the Left: W8.5 cm × H18 cm, Weight: 112 g Third Mirror from the Left (Second from the Right): W9 cm × H16.5 cm, Weight: 111 g Far Right Mirror: W8.5 cm × H18.5 cm, Weight: 109 g - Shipping method Carefully packed and shipped with tracking and insurance via DHL or EMS. Thank you. WAQWAQ