Tibet, 18th century
Diameter: 9 3/4 inches, 24.5 cm

A gilt copper and zinc oracle mirror of circular form. The gilt-copper border is worked in repoussé with a representation of Buddhist symbols. The convex centre is made of zinc and engraved with a trefoil ornament of serrated leaves.

The oracle mirror is the Tibetan Tantric version of the crystal ball, enabling a gifted medium to look into its polished surface to detect hidden events and probe the future for dangers and opportunities. The Buddhist symbols featured on the repoussé border include:

- The Wish-Granting Jewel (Cintamani), the mother of all gems: Jewel of the Doctrine
- The Conch Shell (Sankha), symbol of the spoken word
- The endless Knot (Srivasta), representing eternal life
- The Banner (Dhvaja), the victory of Buddha’s teachings
- The Wheel or Wheel of the Law (Dharmachakra), symbol of Buddhist doctrine
- The Lotus (Padma), symbol of purity
- The Vase (Kulasa), representing longevity and fulfilment of the highest aspirations
- The Golden Fish (Matsya), freedom from restraint and symbolic of the life-giving properties of water
- The Umbrella (Chatra), protection against all evil