Mr. Wang Ganghuai, an alumnus of the class of 1958, donated 274 bronze mirrors to Tsinghua University (including 100 Japanese bronze mirrors), which have become one of the important collections of our art museum. These bronze mirrors represent the complete series of the development of bronze mirror throughout Chinese history, from the pre-Qin period (before 221 BCE) to the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911). They exemplify the exceptional achievements of bronze mirror as works of art in Chinese history. In this exhibition, we chose more than 100 bronze mirrors and displayed them thematically. We have also published a catalogue dedicated to this exhibits for audiences to learn more about bronze mirrors and to better understand traditional Chinese culture.
The main theme of this exhibition is “Loyalty and Faith,” which is from an inscription on one of the precious Chinese bronze mirrors in this collection. As the inscription reads, “Intimacy comes from loyalty and faith; alienation arises out of falsity and betrayal.” The inscription attests that we should be loyal and faithful to the others so that the social relationship will be strengthened throughout time. Otherwise we will be alienated and helpless in the end. The culture of valuing loyalty and faith has always been venerated in traditional China. On the one hand, this inscription stands for the true loyalty and faith of Mr. Wang Ganghuai on behalf of the schoolfellows; on the other hand, it plays an important role in building a harmonious society and fostering a culture of honesty.
This exhibition is divided into seven units according to the characteristics of the artworks, which are Early Bronze Mirrors, Animals of Miracle, World and Nature, Meanings of Inscriptions, Mathematical Balance, Late Bronze Mirrors, and Unique Craftsmanship. We hope audiences would experience the uniqueness of Chinese cultural through appreciating the beauty of bronze mirrors.
