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Mirror

Bronze mirror. Etruria, Central Italy. 8-80

Etruscan mirrors were luxury items for women and men during the 5th century BCE onward. Many of them feature highly ornate decoration and inlaid handles, though others were made without decoration. Throughout the centuries, forgers added their own engravings to ancient Etruscan mirrors in order to increase their value. This is not the case with this mirror whose green patina masks any decorative details. With the help of a skilled conservator, the original decoration on this piece may someday be revealed.

-Laila

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