Japanese magic mirror

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Not on view. The image is only revealed under special lighting conditions. Made in China from very early on, they also became popular in Japan for both religious and secular use. Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded. As part of the Met's Open Access policy , you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

Japanese magic mirror

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In a magic mirror, unevenness on the polished surface—too subtle to be detected by the naked eye—reproduces patterns on the back when light reflects off the front. At the time, mirrors were a valued gift between members of the court and were often used as diplomatic gifts to bind political alliances. Yamatai is said to have controlled some 30 other countries making up the Japanese islands, although its actual location has never been proven. Murakami, an expert in historical materials science, used a 3D printer to produce a replica of a Sankakubuchi Shinjukyo mirror from materials used in the originals, such as copper and tin powder. Its back features a relief engraving of wizards and mythical creatures. The experiment revealed that the mirror could indeed project the images engraved on the back. Chinese archaeologists have also shown great interest in the Wei mirrors. Although they are clearly linked stylistically to other Chinese mirrors, no similar examples have been recovered from China.

Japanese magic mirror

Mirrors are usually considered primarily as implements for personal grooming but, in Japan, mirrors were used for far more than reflecting one's image. Within Japanese culture, mirrors are one of the most potent symbols of power, revered as sacred objects representing the gods. Mirrors are also admired as artistic objects, as they have intricate pictorial designs on their backs. The technology needed to cast metal mirrors was introduced to Japan from China around the Yayoi period ca. During the Heian period — , the mirror was included as part of the elaborate toiletry sets used by aristocrats. Though the earliest mirrors were fashioned after Chinese mirrors, in time mirror makers began to depict Japanese style designs and motifs from the Japanese natural world. In ancient times, round mirrors typically had a knob in the center of the back, through which a cord would be strung. Later, as the hand mirror a round mirror with a rectangular protruding handle came into use, designs became more pictorial, covering the entire back. These mirrors with designs on the back became popular among commoners in the Edo period, and the motifs used in these designs became diversified. When European-style glass mirrors became popular during the Meiji period — , bronze mirrors gradually fell out of use.

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Classification: Mirrors. Medium: Bronze. Email address Sign up. You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar. Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative. View author publications. Period: Edo — or Meiji period — Mirror 19th century. I have read most of what has been written and stated upon the subject, and dissent from all that has come under my notice, especially the ingenious theories of non-continuous convexity of surface. IN your last week's issue p. By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. Rights and permissions Reprints and permissions. The Met's Libraries and Research Centers provide unparalleled resources for research and welcome an international community of students and scholars. Get the most important science stories of the day, free in your inbox.

Mirrors play a central part in Shinto, for they are thought to contain the body of the kami.

Authors T. Advanced search. We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. The image is only revealed under special lighting conditions. Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. Thank you for visiting nature. Sign up for the Nature Briefing newsletter — what matters in science, free to your inbox daily. Use your arrow keys to navigate the tabs below, and your tab key to choose an item. Download citation. My reason for dissent is that I have seen one, and for some time it was placed in my care by a friend who made it himself in this country. Asian Art at The Met. Resources for Research The Met's Libraries and Research Centers provide unparalleled resources for research and welcome an international community of students and scholars. The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35, objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.