The Japanese magic mirror, also known as the "Kagami no Kagami," is a unique and enchanting artifact from ancient Japan. It is believed to have been created during the Heian period (794-1185) and holds great cultural and historical significance. The Kagami no Kagami is a small, round mirror made of polished bronze with a highly reflective surface. What sets it apart from regular mirrors is the intricate design that is etched onto its back. The design features various mythical creatures and divine symbols, often associated with Buddhism or Shintoism. These symbols are believed to possess mystical powers and are intended to bring good fortune, protection, and guidance to those who possess the mirror.
Japanese Mirrors
These symbols are believed to possess mystical powers and are intended to bring good fortune, protection, and guidance to those who possess the mirror. In Japanese folklore, it is said that the Kagami no Kagami has the ability to reveal one's true self. By gazing into the mirror, it is believed that one can reflect upon their inner nature and attain self-realization and enlightenment.
An ancient metalwork tradition for ritual and for function
Музей: Art Research Center, Ritsumeikan University
By: Art Research Center, Ritsumeikan University in collaboration with Kyoto Women's University
"Mirror with pine tree and cranes" (автор – YAMAMOTO ALLOY WORKS CO., LTD. и Photo by Stria photographics)Первоисточник: YAMAMOTO ALLOY WORKS CO., LTD..
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. 3rd century BCE–3rd century CE). During the Heian period (794–1185), 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.
"Triangular-rimmed mirror with divine animals" (автор – YAMAMOTO ALLOY WORKS CO., LTD. и Photo by Stria Photographics)Первоисточник: YAMAMOTO ALLOY WORKS CO., LTD..
When European-style glass mirrors became popular during the Meiji period (1868–1912), bronze mirrors gradually fell out of use. Metalsmiths specializing in mirror making also began to disappear rapidly from Japanese society. The production of bronze mirrors would likely have ended all together were it not for the continuing production of mirrors dedicated to shrines and temples. After a metal mirror is cast using an alloy of tin or copper (known as "white bronze" or "bronze," respectively), the surface is ground and polished flat before being finally plated with gold. It remains an important task of the mirror master today to re-polish mirrors, including sacred mirrors. In the past there were various types of artisans for each stage of mirror production, including polishing mirrors. Today, however, professional mirror metalsmiths must handle every aspect of mirror making themselves.
The History of the Magic Mirrors of China and Japan
Many are the historical variations on the origin of these magic mirrors. Consensus says that they appeared for the first time in China around the 2nd Century BC, and occurred in large quantities during the entire period of the Han dynasty (206 BC-24 AC). What we do know is that their “magical” quality was a completely accidental effect and just shy of wonderful. Few have seen one or even heard of one largely because in the West there are very few models left and because, after centuries of trying to understand their mechanism, science was able to reproduce it… And as we know, when a mystery is deciphered, infatuation is the first to suffer.
Magic mirrors, literally “light transmission mirrors,” are made of cast bronze and are generally circular, about 15 to 20 centimeters in diameter, with a polished surface, or front side, that produces quite a faithful reflection of the objects in front of them. On the reverse surface there is a modeled drawing in low relief that can be a landscape with trees, water, birds or animals, an inscription or perhaps a figure of Buddha. The “magical” quality for which they are famous consists of the fact that when strong light, such as a sunbeam, hits the front side and is reflected on a white wall, the image modeled on the back of the mirror appears as a pattern of white lines on the wall. Thus, of the luminous or speculative effects that we know of the world, this is certainly one of the most unexpected… of the most captivating.
The Chinese models, however, are extremely rare. So rare, in fact, that there is not one to be found in Paris, the city which, upon their discovery, was more than enchanted by them. But the Japanese also have their magic mirrors which, although slightly different in their manufacturing, produce the same spectrums of light, and their designs are certainly the most beautiful. Of these there are many around the world, probably because in ancient Japan mirrors were especially adored as rare and mysterious items, considered as a “source of honesty” because they reflect “everything that’s good and bad, the true and the false…without failure.” In fact, one of the most important imperial treasures of Japan is the sacred mirror called Yata-no-Kagami.
The first magical mirror that appeared in Europe was property of the Director of the Paris Observatory. Upon his return from China, he brought with him several mirrors, one of which was magical. This last one was presented as an irresistible mystery to the French Academy of Sciences in 1844––Nobody had seen anything similar, and despite their attempts to register its behavior, they could never fully understand it. In total, there are only four reported magical mirrors to be brought from China to Europe, but in 1878, two engineering professors presented the Royal Society of London with various models they had brought from Japan. The English called them “diaphanous mirrors” and for the first time they made technical observations regarding their construction. There effects were so wonderful that they hypnotized the Royal Society —which is to say a lot. Nobody, however, could ascertain what produced the ghostly and beautiful projection of light. While the metal on the front face is completely solid, the image reflected gives the impression that it should be transparent in some way. For many centuries the “magic” of these mirrors left scientists and collectors perplexed, who catalogued the phenomenon as an “impossible optical illusion” and therefore “magical.”
According to UNESCO, around 1,200 years ago, the secret was revealed in a Chinese text called Record of the ancient mirrors. But this book was lost a few centuries later. However, in 1932, scientist Sir William Bragg finally discovered why the reflection of the magic mirrors shows the design of its opposite side, and deduced that in its first appearances, the effect was a product of the accidents of the blacksmith’s trade, which consisted of rivets and hammer blows, among other things. As for the effect, he explained:
Although the surface of the mirrors is polished and seems completely flat, it has subtle convex and concave curves caused by the designed. Convex curves (outwards) scatter light and darken their areas of reflection. For their part, concave curves focus light and illuminate their areas of reflection. Mirrors are made of forged bronze, and the thickest parts are cooled at a different speed than the thin ones. Since the metal contracts a little as it is cooled, the different ranges of cooling “stress” or slightly deform the metal. The thin areas are also more flexible than the thick parts, so the polishing process, which should smoothen the metal until uniformity is achieved, exaggerates the slight differences in thickness. While we cannot see the pattern on the surface of the mirror, photos very clearly delineate it, so when they are able to bounce off the mirror’s curves, the pattern emerges.
Today it is rumored that Yamamoto Akihisa is the last manufacturer of magic mirrors in Japan. The Kyoto Journal interviewed him and the artisan explained part of his technique, which he learned from his father, who also learned it from his father, and so on, over generations. Our generation is just starting to learn about this object, which is already part of the magic history of human belief — but one that summons, as it very rarely occurs, science, aesthetics and symbolic intrigue alike.
Magic Mirror ( Ancient Chinese Technique )
So, the other day I was reading about the Japanese era, their beliefs, culture, ideologies and many other things as I have always found them very fascinating. And I was watching a particular documentary on Youtube and came across a lot of things that I had never heard of!
One, in particular that amazed me was the MAGIC MIRROR.
So, What is a Magic mirror?
The "magic mirror" were very popular in the Han Dynasty. The exact origins of ancient Chinese “magical” mirrors are unknown. These mirrors were made out of solid bronze. The front surface was like a normal mirror but the back side was cast in bronze and when sunlight or any bright light was cast onto the mirror, it gave a projection of the image contained in the back side.
The magic mirrors technology was imported from China & had a revival in Japan during the mid 16th century. Christianity was considered a foreign influence and showing faith in its beliefs could cost one, their lives. These mirrors helped save many lives during that period.
This notion of introspection and self-reflection is highly valued in Japanese culture and is central to the concept of personal growth and spiritual development. Throughout history, the Japanese magic mirror has been treasured as a sacred object and often passed down through generations. It was also regarded as a valuable luxury item, showcasing the wealth and status of its owner. Today, these mirrors can be found in museums, private collections, and occasionally used in traditional Japanese rituals and ceremonies. The craftsmanship involved in creating these mirrors is truly remarkable. The etching process requires great skill and precision, as the intricate designs are meticulously carved onto the mirror's back using delicate tools. The end result is a beautifully adorned mirror that exudes an aura of mystery and enchantment. In conclusion, the Japanese magic mirror, or Kagami no Kagami, is a fascinating artifact that holds both cultural and historical significance. Its unique design and mystical properties make it a cherished object in Japanese folklore and an intriguing piece for collectors and enthusiasts alike..
Reviews for "The Role of Japanese Magic Mirrors in Feng Shui"
1. Jane Smith - 1 star
I was really disappointed with the Japanese magic mirror. The claims of it being able to grant wishes and bring good luck just seemed too good to be true, and indeed they were. After purchasing and using the mirror for weeks, I didn't notice any positive changes in my life. The mirror itself also felt cheaply made and the instructions were confusing. Overall, it was a waste of money and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone seeking real magic.
2. John Doe - 2 stars
I purchased the Japanese magic mirror hoping it would bring some positivity into my life, but I was left underwhelmed. The mirror itself was aesthetically pleasing, but that was about it. The supposed magic powers it possessed were non-existent or extremely subtle. It felt like a gimmick more than anything else. I would advise against spending your money on this product unless you're solely interested in it as a decorative item.
3. Emily Thompson - 1 star
The Japanese magic mirror was a complete disappointment. It didn't live up to its claims of granting wishes or bringing good luck. It was just an overpriced, regular mirror with some Japanese-inspired design. The packaging promised an extraordinary experience, but all I got was a plain mirror. I wouldn't recommend this product to anyone expecting real magic or any significant benefits from it. Save your money and look for other alternatives.