probably 19th century, with crane, ginkgo, andÿkiri leaf decoration, with fitted wood case, mirror 10-7/8 x 6-7/8 in.Note: This mirror is accompanied by aÿtyped note. Inscribed "Excerpt from my Aunt's(?) letter" at the top, the note reads:"My wife has unearthed several of these mirrors during the last year but the others haven't reflected the slightest semblance of anything - only streaks. This one shows the head only and it might well be Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) rather than Buddha. It will only reflect decently in strong sunlight."The Japanese characters on the reverse side show the name of its maker (Fujiwara Mitsunaga) and we are told that it's over 300 years old. The leaves are the Gingko [sic.] (maidenhair tree) and the kiri (paulownia imperialis) which was the crest of the Tokugawa's [sic.] who were the Emperor's in those days [sic.]. A kiri leaf is also the crest of the present Empress." - Provenance: fairly good reflection, surface dirt layer and accretion, scattered surface scratches, some spotting, discoloration, and tarnishing, case with minor abrasions, some cracks and separations where panels join edges