Bronze mirrors are mostly round, with one side being a mirror and the other side engraved with various patterns, symbolizing good luck. After the first product is taken out of the mold, a special craftsman will physically polish one side of the round copper tool until the light can be seen in the mirror. Someone once tried to polish the five-pointed star of modern copper coins, and the small disc was very clear. In some parts of China, there are still craftsmen called "pot makers" who walk in the streets and provide aluminum from people who need to throw cans.
They melted the aluminum juice into a jar at high temperature, cooled it and polished it into a good aluminum pot, which I believe has been in many people's childhood memories. The principle of making bronze mirrors is basically the same, but it is much more complicated. Aluminum pot made by rural craftsmen has some small defects, such as bubbles, sand holes and small cracks, and so does bronze mirror making. These small flaws will undoubtedly affect the use effect and appearance, even after polishing. At this time, the most critical step in making a mirror is to appreciate the whiteness with powder Xuanxi.
Bronze mirrors were a luxury in ancient times. After being exposed to air for a long time, it is easy to oxidize, and the black tin on the mirror will evaporate day by day. Over time, it will become a dim bronze mirror. In ancient times, there was a man who specialized in dealing with bronze mirrors that were no longer clear. The mirror will shine again after repeated wiping with a mirror grinder. However, because the mirror grinder is made of volatile and toxic heavy metals, it will affect your health if you touch it every month for a long time.
Now there are many ancient bronze mirrors in the museum, with smooth patterns and bright colors on the back, which are of great research value. Some people make bronze mirrors according to the ancient methods in the book, which is equivalent to the definition of modern mirrors.