The Process of Making the Forbidden Mirror of Japan. The Last Remaining Japanese Mirror Master.
SUIGENKYO
2,948,359 views
The Process of Making the Forbidden Mirror of Japan. The Last Remaining Japanese Mirror Master.
▶What is a Makyo (Magic Mirror)?
“Makyo,” or “magic mirror,” is a traditional Japanese craft imbued with mystery.
Unlike ordinary mirrors that simply reflect, a Makyo was said to reveal hidden beauty, inner truth, and even worlds beyond the surface. During the Edo period, some of these mirrors were ingeniously crafted to secretly project Christian images when light was cast upon them, serving as a discreet form of faith for the “Hidden Christians” (Kakure Kirishitan). Today, a Makyo stands not only as an exquisite object of artistry but also as a profound cultural expression that intertwines craftsmanship, legend, and history.
▶Product in Video:
https://suigenkyo.store/collections/a...
▶Craftsman Profile
Akihisa Yamamoto
Akihisa Yamamoto, the fifth-generation head of Yamamoto Alloy Works in Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, is the only mirror maker in Japan who still handcrafts magic mirrors (makyō). While preserving the traditional techniques handed down from his father, he is devoted to passing on the legacy of these mysterious mirrors to the present age.
▶Contact: contact@suigenkyo.com
© 2022 Suigenkyo Ltd. All rights reserved.
#process #crafts #japan #craftsman #kyoto #craftsmanship #asmr #satisfyingvideo #art
【Chapter】
00:00 Introduction
00:18 Preparing the Mold
02:28 Preparing the Materials
03:14 Preparing for Casting
04:32 Casting
05:59 Removing the Casting from the Mold
08:20 Polishing
13:08 Finished Piece
20 Comments
I didn't know this kind of mirrors were japanese, I thought they were chinese 😅.
Excellent video 👌.
The Process of Making the Forbidden Mirror of Japan. The Last Remaining Japanese Mirror Master.
SUIGENKYO
2,948,359 views
The Process of Making the Forbidden Mirror of Japan. The Last Remaining Japanese Mirror Master.
▶What is a Makyo (Magic Mirror)?
“Makyo,” or “magic mirror,” is a traditional Japanese craft imbued with mystery.
Unlike ordinary mirrors that simply reflect, a Makyo was said to reveal hidden beauty, inner truth, and even worlds beyond the surface. During the Edo period, some of these mirrors were ingeniously crafted to secretly project Christian images when light was cast upon them, serving as a discreet form of faith for the “Hidden Christians” (Kakure Kirishitan). Today, a Makyo stands not only as an exquisite object of artistry but also as a profound cultural expression that intertwines craftsmanship, legend, and history.
▶Product in Video:
https://suigenkyo.store/collections/a...
▶Craftsman Profile
Akihisa Yamamoto
Akihisa Yamamoto, the fifth-generation head of Yamamoto Alloy Works in Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, is the only mirror maker in Japan who still handcrafts magic mirrors (makyō). While preserving the traditional techniques handed down from his father, he is devoted to passing on the legacy of these mysterious mirrors to the present age.
▶Contact: contact@suigenkyo.com
© 2022 Suigenkyo Ltd. All rights reserved.
#process #crafts #japan #craftsman #kyoto #craftsmanship #asmr #satisfyingvideo #art
【Chapter】
00:00 Introduction
00:18 Preparing the Mold
02:28 Preparing the Materials
03:14 Preparing for Casting
04:32 Casting
05:59 Removing the Casting from the Mold
08:20 Polishing
13:08 Finished Piece
https://suigenkyo.store/collections/akihisa-yamamoto?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=product_shelf
Though it appears to be an ordinary mirror, when light is reflected and projected onto a wall, the image of Christ mysteriously emerges—allowing believers to pray in secret.
To avoid suspicion, the reverse side was often covered with a lid decorated with harmless patterns, concealing its sacred imagery from view.
Magic Mirror – Reflections of Hidden Devotion
A magic mirror is a remarkable Japanese craftwork that reveals hidden images when light is cast upon its surface. Though it looks like an ordinary mirror, patterns or sacred figures engraved on the reverse side mysteriously appear in the reflection.
During the Edo period, under the ban on Christianity, Kakure Kirishitan (Hidden Christians) are said to have used mirrors engraved with the image of Christ. By shining light onto the mirror, the figure of Christ would be projected, allowing them to pray in secret. To avoid suspicion, the reverse was often covered with a lid featuring harmless decorative patterns.
Today, magic mirrors are valued not only as rare religious artifacts, but also as exceptional examples of Japan’s advanced casting techniques and spiritual culture. Experience the mysterious beauty of light and shadow captured within this extraordinary mirror.