Four ancient bronze mirrors have been excavated from several tombs of the Western Han Dynasty (206 B.C.- 25 A.D) in Anyang county in central China's Henan Province.

Archaeologists with the Anyang County Archaeological Department said that the green-rusted four mirrors were still usable despite rust on their surface.

Unearthed from different tombs, the four mirrors have diameters ranging from four or five centimeters to a dozen centimeters.

The largest and most exquisite mirror with superb craftsmanship has a ring on its back, which is encircled by cast life-like, fine-shape mascots of a dragon, a bird, a sheep, a monkey and a mouse. These decorative patterns shed light on the prosperity and splendor of the ancient dynasty then. The other three smaller mirrors only have decorative patterns on their backs.

Experts said the four bronze mirrors were unique, exquisite artwork of high value in the study of the casting technology and customs in imperial Western Han dynasty.

Archaeologists from the Anyang County Archaeological Department also discovered more than 50 gray pottery ware such as kitchen ranges, wine cups and pots from 12 tombs of Western Han dynasty tombs located near the Shuiye town.

The pottery ware is of tremendous value in studying funeral rituals in Western Han dynasty, according to the archaeologists.
 
(Xinhua News Agency December 5, 2003)