Chinese magic mirrors are a fascinating artifact that dates back to the Han Dynasty in ancient China. These mirrors are often considered a marvel of ancient technology and continue to captivate historians, archaeologists, and art enthusiasts to this day. What sets Chinese magic mirrors apart is their unique ability to project intricate and detailed patterns and inscriptions onto the surface when light is reflected onto them. This optical phenomenon is achieved through a combination of sophisticated craftsmanship and scientific understanding of light properties. The mirrors are usually made of bronze and have a polished concave surface on one side. The opposite side is adorned with decorative motifs, intricate designs, and inscriptions.
Curators Discover a Rare Chinese ‘Magic Mirror’—One of Only Three Known in the West—in the Depths of the Cincinnati Art Museum’s Storage
The magic mirror was for years believed simply to be an unassuming bronze disc.
Hou-mei Sung, the Cincinnati Art Museum’s curator of East Asian art, next to the Buddhist Bronze Mirror. Photo courtesy of the museum.
Curators at the Cincinnati Art Museum have figured out that an unassuming bronze disc in the museum’s 100,000-strong collection is actually an exceedingly rare magic mirror.
Magic mirrors, also known as transparent or light penetrating mirrors, were first created in China during the Han dynasty (202 BCE–220 CE), according to the museum. “When light is projected on them, the mirrors appear transparent and reveal characters or a decorative design.”
The characters on the museum’s polished, reflective surface carry six characters (南無阿彌陀佛) that name Amitābha Buddha, while the reflection reveals an image of the Buddha shrouded in heavenly beams.
Buddhist Bronze Mirror (front), 15–16th century, China or Japan, bronze, Source Unknown, Cincinnati Art Museum. Photograph: Rob Deslongchamps.
The discovery, made by Hou-mei Sung, a curator of East Asian art, in spring 2021, will be presented to the public in the museum’s East Asian wing starting July 23, marking its first return to the galleries since 2017, according to CNN. Officially acquired by the museum in 1961, the unbeknownst mirror spent most of its tenure in storage.
“It’s really fate or luck,” Sung told Artnet News. “We were going to put the bronze artwork on view in a museum gallery. Out of curiosity, I wanted to test it.”
Knowledge of another magic mirror at the Metropolitan Museum of Art inspired Sung to take a conservation expert into museum storage and train a light on Cincinnati’s own suspect. Textured light in the reflection encouraged them to try a stronger, more focused beam.
Presto, there was the Buddha.
Buddhist Bronze Mirror (back), 15–16th century, China or Japan, bronze, Source Unknown, Cincinnati Art Museum. Photograph: Rob Deslongchamps.
Aside from Han dynasty-era magic mirrors on view in the Shanghai Museum, only two other similar Buddhist magic mirrors are known, according to the museum. One is in the Tokyo National Museum and the other at the Met. Both are Japanese, Edo-period (1603–1867) objects.
According to the Cincinnati Art Museum, initial research suggests its mirror was made in China, and that it may be older than the two Japanese mirrors.
The mirrors were so complicated to make that scholars are still not sure exactly how craftspeople got it done. But Sung calls the discovery auspicious.
“It’s designed to be a blessing, so we do feel very lucky to have it,” she said.
Demonstration of Buddhist Bronze Mirror, 15–16th century, China or Japan, bronze, Source Unknown, Cincinnati Art Museum. Photograph: Rob Deslongchamps.
“A big part of what curators do is research,” she said. “With a huge collection of over 10,000 works, this keeps us very busy.”
This latest development only whets her palate for more miracles. For the moment, she said, she hopes to take advantage of international expertise to further the museum’s research.
“I know that Asian art scholars will travel to Cincinnati to see it and I’m excited they can learn more about our collection while they are here,” she said.
Beyond that, she said she hoped the new attraction “inspires visitors to learn more about our many rare works of Asian art in our collection.”
Thanks to a gift from the Rosenthal Family Foundation, guests will enjoy free general admission and parking during their chance to take a glimpse in Ohio’s magic mirror.
How to make a Magic Mirror
Chinese Magic Mirrors originated in China (surprise, surprise) around 800 AD. These mirrors hold hidden images that are invisible to the naked eye, and can only be viewed as a reflection when a bright light is shown into the mirror. After baffling western scientists for centuries, the process and physics that allowed these devices to work were finally re-learned and understood.
These artifacts started as convex pieces of metal, polished to a mirrored shine. These mirrors were then etched with a design, and had a mercury amalgam poured over top to cover the etchings with a thin, mirrored coating.
You can find authentic Chinese Magic Mirrors online, but knowing how they work allows us to make our own version, with our own hidden messages.
HOW TO BUILD YOUR OWN MAGIC MIRROR:
MATERIALS:
- Handheld mirror that you’re okay destroying
- Etching cream (or laser etcher, if you’ve got access to that)
- Hobby knife or other razor blade
- Reflective Glass Tinting film
STEPS:
- Before you begin, figure out your message! Remember, when reflected, the message will appear flipped to the viewer. I wanted my message flipped (looks extra spooky that way), so I wrote my message normally.
- Take your mirror, and etch your message into it using your glass etching method of choice. If using a laser etcher, start on low power settings. You don’t want deep etches if you can avoid it.
- Clean the mirror thoroughly, and rub some cloth over your message, hard. You want your mirror to have small scratches in it, but you don’t want excess material creating ridges on the edges of your scratches. Take the time to smooth things out, your effort will be rewarded.
- Wipe a few drops of water across your mirror, enough to make the entire surface wet.
- Cut a slightly bigger piece of film than your mirror requires, and remove the plastic backing.
- Stick your reflective film onto your mirror. Use a credit card as a squeegee to work out all of the bubbles that you can. Wipe up any excess water that is expelled as you go.
- Take your magic mirror into a dark room, and shine a flashlight onto it! See if you can read your message in the reflection. Congrats, you have a hidden message inside a mirror!
Chinese Bronze Mirrors
Bronze mirrors have a long history in Chinese culture, dating to at least the 11th century Before Common Era (BC). Many mirrors were placed with their owners in ancient tombs. Some have been passed down from generation to generation for many years in the same family.
Mirrors were more uniform and typically round in Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) while greater variety is observed in the Song and Yuan dynasties (10th -14th century) when different forms, such as oblong and octagonal appeared. Some mirrors have a handle or eyelets for hanging. In the last few centuries, during the reign of the Qing dynasty (1616-1911), bronze mirrors were gradually replaced by glass mirrors.
The mirrors were used in ancient China in the same way they are used today - people look at themselves. But the mirror was also an object of art and frequently included cosmological, spiritual and even magical meanings and functions.
The front of the mirror is so finely polished that it can reflect the image of the user's face. The mirror is usually round, connecting a concept of ideal shape with the Chinese cosmological theory of ‘hemispherical dome.’ The back is often decorated with a button and various motifs such as phoenix, beasts, flowers, leaves and lattice. Some also have inscriptions. Changes in style and decorations between different historical periods reflect the evolution of social and cultural ideas and preferences. Stylistic variety helps collectors and historians to classify mirrors and infer their antiquity.
Most bronze mirrors are round – a form that symbolises perfection and bliss. Round shapes in ancient China also represented reunion, fortune and satisfactory love and marriage. Since the nature of reflection is somewhat mysterious, people were prone to associate mirrors with the supernatural. They could, it was believed, dispel evils and so mirrors become a favourite burial accessory. Also they were to keep the home safe from evil, criminals and misfortune. Ancient Chinese used mirrors in various social functions. They were given as gifts to and by emperors and common people alike. In the Buddhist and Taoist rituals bronze mirrors were important worship paraphernalia. With its light-reflecting property the mirror was a fitting accessory for Buddha – Eternal Light.
The opposite side is adorned with decorative motifs, intricate designs, and inscriptions. These designs are created using a combination of etching and casting techniques and can range from mythical creatures to intricate patterns and symbols. When light is reflected onto the concave surface, the intricately designed patterns and inscriptions are projected onto a nearby flat surface.
This projection is often described as a magical or mystical effect, hence the name "magic mirror." The quality of the designs and the clarity of the projection depend on the craftsmanship and skill of the artisans who created the mirror. Chinese magic mirrors were primarily used for ceremonial and decorative purposes. They were often treasured possessions of the elites and were used in rituals, festivals, and other important occasions. They were also considered a symbol of wealth, status, and power. The production of Chinese magic mirrors declined after the Han Dynasty, but they continued to have cultural significance and were often featured in works of art and literature throughout Chinese history. Today, these mirrors are rare and highly sought after by collectors and museums. In conclusion, Chinese magic mirrors are a testament to the artistic and technological prowess of ancient China. Their ability to create mesmerizing projections through a combination of craftsmanship and scientific principles is truly remarkable. These mirrors continue to captivate and intrigue people, serving as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of ancient China..
Reviews for "The Cultural Significance of Chinese Magic Mirrors: Reflecting on the Past"
1. Jane - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with the Chinese magic mirror. It claimed to be a magical artifact with the power to reveal hidden truths and secrets, but all it showed me was a distorted reflection of myself. The so-called "magic" was just a clever trick of the light, and I felt like I had wasted my money on a cheap novelty item. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for genuine mystical experiences.
2. Mark - 1/5 - The Chinese magic mirror was a complete letdown. I had heard so many intriguing stories about its supposed ability to transport you to different dimensions and times, but all I got was a regular mirror that reflected my own boring reality. It was nothing more than a gimmick, and I felt like I had been deceived into thinking it was something truly extraordinary. Save your money and skip this so-called "magical" mirror.
3. Sarah - 2/5 - As someone fascinated by ancient artifacts and mystical objects, I was really excited to try out the Chinese magic mirror. However, it fell short of my expectations. While it did emit a slight illusion of movement and depth, it was far from the transformative experience I had hoped for. The mirror felt more like a novelty item rather than a powerful tool for self-discovery. I was left feeling underwhelmed and wishing I had spent my money on something more substantial.