ABSTRACT
TLV mirrors proper may be classified on the basis of the treatment of the TLV pattern itself, the other decorative details and the terms of the long inscriptions that are fashioned around the outer edge. In addition the TLV mirror bears other functions, of which one may be closely related to divination. Distinguished scholars such as Karlgren and Umehara, Miss Bulling and Komai have achieved highly impressive results during the last three or four decades by analysing the decorative details and inscriptions of Chinese mirrors, and it is thanks largely to their pioneer work that valid criteria may be formulated for classifying these beautiful objects. A number of scholars have drawn attention to some of the aspects of TLV mirrors. Material evidence discovered recently prompts a reconsideration of the suggestion made by Kaplan in 1937, in which he drew attention to the similarity between the TLV pattern and the marks on diviners’ boards.
