7.Mirror

7.Mirror

      Mirrors have believed that they have spiritual power in all countries since the olden days. The ancient people used them for predict the future. They play important roles of reflecting the one’s future, past and true character. Yama (king of the world of the dead, who judges the dead) uses a special mirror to see the conduct of the dead while they were still alive. And mirrors are also said to have been a boundary between the present world and parallel universe since ancient times.

       In the Japanese myths mirrors have important roles. Especially Yata no Kagami is a sacred mirror that is part of the Imperial Regalia of Japan. According to Japanese mythology it was created by the god named Ishikoridome during the event of Iwato-gakure (literally "hiding in Iwato) in which Amaterasu Omikami hid herself in the Ama no Iwato (literally "the cave of the sun god" or "heavenly rock cave"). When Amaterasu made a small opening in the rock, the mirror reflected her face, drawing her attention and successfully making her come out of the cave, thus bringing light back to the world.

Artist's impression of the Imperial Regalia of Japan　sword Kusanagi (草薙劍 Kusanagi no Tsurugi), the mirror Yata no Kagami (八咫鏡), and the jewel Yasakani no Magatama (八尺瓊曲玉)

The Sun goddess emerging out of a cave, bringing sunlight back to the universe

       Ancient times, Japanese people used mirrors in the religious service. They may have elaborated their mirrors to give more holiness. January 29, 2014 Kyoto National Museum published their investigation about Sankakubuchi Shinjukyo Mirror/Sankakuen Shinjukyo Mirrors which is a kind of bronze mirror from an ancient tomb and large mirror engraving divine beasts with a triangular-rim in its cross-section. Kyoto National Museum made an accurate bronze replica of Sankakubuchi Shinjukyo Mirror with 3D printer. Then they investigate a certain phenomenon. When bright sunlight or other bright light reflects onto the mirror, that light is reflected from the mirror towards a wall, the pattern on the back of the mirror is then projected onto the wall. Because carving a pattern on the back deep brings an invisible uneven on the surface of a mirror. Such mirror is called “a magic mirror”. Many magic mirrors are found in Chinese ancient ruins and underground Christian in Japan used magic mirrors which project Christ's image as an object of worship. But this is the first thing that a magic mirror effect is observed on the mirror from an ancient tomb. It needs high level skills to made magic mirrors. This discovery will have a something effect on the way of thinking of ancient people in Japan and a role of mirrors in ancient society in Japan.

a cross section of a magic mirror (the surface is below and the back of mirror is above)

underground Christian's magic mirror

reference:
 http://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXNASHC2902G_Z20C14A1000000/?dg=1
 http://news.yahoo.co.jp/pickup/6105436
http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%85%AB%E5%92%AB%E9%8F%A1

http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E9%9A%A0%E3%82%8C%E5%88%87%E6%94%AF%E4%B8%B9%E9%8F%A1
http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E9%AD%94%E9%8F%A1