Twenty-nine Chinese bronze mirrors were discovered in the Tang shipwreck. They were undoubtedly goods for sale rather than personal possessions of the crew. One side of each mirror was smooth, while the other side was cast with decoration. A silvery alloy was used, so that the smooth side would be reflective. These examples have been blackened from centuries under water. This particular mirror dates to the 6th century and therefore would already have been considered an antique when it was purchased. Its inscription reads 玉匣聊開鏡，輕灰暂拭塵；光如一片水，影照两邊人 (Open its casket and look in the mirror / Wipe off quickly the light dust so that / bright like a disc of water / its reflection portrays your other self).
