A rare, centuries-old bronze mirror that had previously lain almost forgotten within the East Asian art collection of the Cincinnati Art Museum for more than 50 years has revealed an illuminating secret: under certain lighting conditions, the plain-looking 16th century mirror reflects a diaphanous image of the Buddha surrounded by rays of light. 

“Known as ‘magic’ or ‘transparent’ or ‘light-penetrating’ (透光鏡) mirrors, these types of artworks were first created in China during the Han dynasty (202 BCE–220 CE),” the Cincinnati Art Museum explained. “When light is projected on them, the mirrors appear transparent and reveal characters or a decorative design.” (Cincinnati Art Museum) Read more.

Categories: Mind, Consciousness & Universe

Tags: ancient civilizations, Ancient Knowledge, ancient magic mirror, Ancient Ones, Ancient Technology, Buddha, chinese magic mirror, Han dynasty, Image of Buddha