An early Egyptian Copper Mirror, First Intermediate Period, ca. 2181 - 2055 BCE
An early Egyptian Copper Mirror, First Intermediate Period, ca. 2181 - 2055 BCE
An early Egyptian Copper Mirror, First Intermediate Period, ca. 2181 - 2055 BCE
An early Egyptian Copper Mirror, First Intermediate Period, ca. 2181 - 2055 BCE
An early Egyptian Copper Mirror, First Intermediate Period, ca. 2181 - 2055 BCE
An early Egyptian Copper Mirror, First Intermediate Period, ca. 2181 - 2055 BCE
An early Egyptian Copper Mirror, First Intermediate Period, ca. 2181 - 2055 BCE
An early Egyptian Copper Mirror, First Intermediate Period, ca. 2181 - 2055 BCE

An early Egyptian Copper Mirror, First Intermediate Period, ca. 2181 - 2055 BCE

EB1804

$1,750 USD
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  • This object qualifies for free USA shipping and a flat rate fee of $60 if shipping internationally.

The thin elliptical mirror disc, once burnished to a gleaming reflective surface,  connects to a short tang that would have been inserted into a handle. The modern wooden handle seen here is modeled after those used in ancient times. 

Reflecting the image of a person, the mirror disc was associated with vitality, generation, and regeneration. Further, the elliptical form and light-giving quality reflect that of the sun disk, and to a lesser extent the lunar as well. 

Cf. Petrie Objects of Daily Use (Oxford, 1927), p. 32 & pl. xxviii, no. 35 for an identical example from an Old Kingdom tomb at Qau.

Dimensions: 16 cm (6.3 inches) x 16.5 cm (6.5 inches)

Condition: With a few minor losses to the edges, a minor dent in the upper surface, and small areas of corrosion, overall intact and in good condition.  The wood handle is a museum-quality custom mount.

Provenance:  Orange County private collection, California, acquired in the 1970s.

Sands of Time provides a lifetime, unconditional guarantee of authenticity and provenance. Every object you purchase from us is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, stating culture, provenance, and age.

Furthermore, we conduct due diligence to ensure the item, to the best of our knowledge, has not been illegally obtained from an excavation, architectural monument, public institution, or private property. Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.

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