The Salem witch trials of 1692 are a historical event that continues to captivate people's imagination and interest. The events that unfolded during that tumultuous year in colonial Massachusetts have been the subject of numerous books, plays, and movies. One such adaptation is the 2002 film "The Crucible," directed by Nicholas Hytner and starring Winona Ryder and Daniel Day-Lewis. "The Crucible" is a cinematic adaptation of Arthur Miller's play of the same name, which was first performed in 1953. The story is set in Salem, Massachusetts, during the height of the witch trials. It follows the lives of various characters as they navigate the hysteria and paranoia that grips the town.
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.
It follows the lives of various characters as they navigate the hysteria and paranoia that grips the town. The film explores themes of persecution, mass hysteria, and the destructive power of lies. The performances in "The Crucible" are exceptional, with Winona Ryder delivering a particularly powerful portrayal of the central character, Abigail Williams.
Daniel Day-Lewis also shines in his role as John Proctor, a man struggling with his own guilt and desire for redemption. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable, adding depth and intensity to their scenes together. One of the most striking aspects of "The Crucible" is its depiction of the manipulative nature of fear. The film shows how fear can corrupt people's minds and lead them to turn against their friends and neighbors. It also highlights the dangers of mob mentality and the ease with which innocent people can be accused and condemned based solely on rumors and hearsay. "The Crucible" also explores the themes of morality and conscience. It raises questions about the responsibility of individuals to stand up against injustice, even at great personal cost. The film prompts viewers to reflect on the power of truth and the consequences of compromising one's principles. Overall, "The Crucible" is a thought-provoking and gripping film that offers a chilling portrayal of the Salem witch trials. Its exploration of themes such as fear, morality, and the nature of truth make it a relevant and compelling watch even today. Whether one is interested in history, psychology, or simply appreciates excellent performances, "The Crucible" is a film worth watching..
Reviews for "The Trials and Tribulations of the Accused in the Witch Hunt of 2002"
1. Sharon - 1 star
I found "Watch witch hunt 2002" to be incredibly boring and unoriginal. The plot was predictable and lacked any sort of excitement or suspense. The characters also felt flat and one-dimensional, making it difficult to connect with or care about their fates. The special effects were lackluster and failed to create a sense of magic or wonder. Overall, I was highly disappointed and would not recommend this film to anyone.
2. Greg - 2 stars
"Watch witch hunt 2002" had potential, but ultimately fell short. The storyline was convoluted and confusing, leaving many unanswered questions. The pacing was also off, with slow and drawn-out scenes that did not contribute much to the overall plot. Additionally, the acting was subpar, with some performances feeling forced and unnatural. While the concept of a witch hunt could have been intriguing, this film failed to deliver a captivating or engaging experience.
3. Emily - 1.5 stars
I was expecting "Watch witch hunt 2002" to be a thrilling and atmospheric movie, but unfortunately, it was a major letdown. The cinematography was lackluster, lacking the desired dark and moody aesthetic. The dialogue felt forced and often cringe-worthy, making it difficult to take the film seriously. The plot was also disjointed and lacked coherence, leaving me confused and frustrated. Overall, I found this film to be a wasted opportunity and would not recommend it to others.
4. Mark - 2 stars
The concept of "Watch witch hunt 2002" seemed interesting, but the execution fell flat. The pacing was slow and monotonous, making it difficult to stay engaged throughout the film. The character development was weak, and I found it hard to feel any investment in their stories or actions. The special effects were underwhelming and failed to create any sense of awe or wonder. Ultimately, this movie lacked the excitement and intrigue that was promised, leaving me disappointed.