Mirror with Four Pixie, early 5th-late 6th century, China, Southern and Northern Dynasties period (386-589), bronze, Diameter: w. 11.6 cm (4 9/16 in.); Overall: h. 1.3 cm (1/2 in.); Rim: h. 0.6 cm (3/16 in.). Gift of Drs. Thomas and Martha Carter in Honor of Sherman E. Lee, 1995.327 © The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Inscription:

I made the bright mirror,
Having melted three metals.
I have sculpted the classic paradigms
And the virtuous in myriad years.
The human spirit is made manifest
And heavenly deities reveal their noble forms.
As they are painted with six colors,
Their light shines through the heaven and earth.
With virtues and the Way in grasp,
Rules and laws sprang into being....