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. This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left.

Japanese magic mirror

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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.

Japanese magic mirror

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.

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You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. Scroll left to view more. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35, objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B. Author information Authors and Affiliations Edinburgh T. The Met's Libraries and Research Centers provide unparalleled resources for research and welcome an international community of students and scholars. Authors T. The phrase is chanted by adherents of the Pure Land Buddhist sect in order to gain rebirth into the Pure Land after death. In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript. Medium: Bronze. The image is only revealed under special lighting conditions. Get the most important science stories of the day, free in your inbox. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate. Close banner Close.

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Period: Edo — or Meiji period — In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript. 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. Resources for Research The Met's Libraries and Research Centers provide unparalleled resources for research and welcome an international community of students and scholars. New York. The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35, objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B. Medium: Bronze. Sign up for the Nature Briefing newsletter — what matters in science, free to your inbox daily. Learn more about this artwork. Search Search articles by subject, keyword or author. Skip to main content Thank you for visiting nature. Abstract IN your last week's issue p. Reprints and permissions.