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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Culture: Japan.

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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.

Nintenderos

The Met's Libraries and Research Centers provide unparalleled resources for research and welcome an international community of students and scholars. Accession Number: Japanese Magic Mirrors. Sign up for the Nature Briefing newsletter — what matters in science, free to your inbox daily. Feedback We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. Scroll left to view more. Learn more about this artwork. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee. Use your arrow keys to navigate the tabs below, and your tab key to choose an item. The Met Collection API is where all makers, creators, researchers, and dreamers can connect to the most up-to-date data and public domain images for The Met collection. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate. Resources for Research The Met's Libraries and Research Centers provide unparalleled resources for research and welcome an international community of students and scholars. Article PDF.

Mirrors play a central part in Shinto, for they are thought to contain the body of the kami. See here for example. Recently too we had a feature on the recreation of a magic mirror that might have once belonged to the early empress, Himiko.

Japanese Magic Mirrors. Close banner Close. You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar. This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. Medium: Bronze. Date: 19th century. Learn more about this artwork. Abstract IN your last week's issue p. Author information Authors and Affiliations Edinburgh T. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments. Search Search articles by subject, keyword or author. Nature 31 ,