The magic brush horse is a legendary creature that is said to possess magical powers. According to folklore, this mystical horse has the ability to grant wishes and bring good fortune to those who encounter it. The magic brush horse is said to have a vibrant and colorful coat, resembling a rainbow. Its mane and tail are also said to be incredibly long and flowing, giving it a majestic appearance. It is believed that the horse obtains its magical powers from the brush that it carries with it at all times. Legend has it that if a person is fortunate enough to come across the magic brush horse and is able to take hold of its brush, they will be granted one wish.
Legend has it that if a person is fortunate enough to come across the magic brush horse and is able to take hold of its brush, they will be granted one wish. This wish can be anything that the person desires, whether it be wealth, love, or success. However, it is said that the magic brush horse will only grant the wish if the person is pure of heart and has good intentions.
The Mirror of a Japanese Shaman Queen
Objects created by people often carry, within their very essence, some part of the spirit of the person who made or owned them. Such is especially the case with Chinese and Japanese magic mirrors. As objects, they’ve fascinated the Western mind for centuries. Circular plates made of bronze, they’re between 15 and 20 centimeters in diameter, and decorated on the back with motifs of animals, plants, or deities in low relief. Their designs, strangely, are projected when a ray of light is directed to the front, the reflecting face (in appearance, a completely smooth surface). The phenomenon was scientifically explained only a relatively short time ago, but for centuries the mirrors remained within the realm of “magic.”
That magic, and the resulting optical phenomena, (the scientific explanation of which diminishes none of their marvelous qualities), accounts for the mirror known as “Himiko’s mirror” and perhaps gives it an even more astounding quality. A recent scientific experiment performed with a replica of the ancient bronze mirror in the National Museum of Kyoto revealed that the original, specifically, may have been used as a magic mirror to conjure images of mountain magicians and divine beasts during solar rituals.
The mirror was unearthed at the Higashinomiya Tomb in Aichi, Japan and belongs to a category of mirrors known as sankakubuchi shinjukyo (that is, “mirrors with triangular borders and decorated with animals”). This one is associated with the queen, Himiko, a former ruler whose shamanic powers have survived history as myths and legends. Himiko ruled the kingdom of Yamatai in the third century C.E. and this was concluded because some of the mirrors found within the tomb are inscribed with the year 239, at the time when a Chinese emperor, according to some Chinese chronicles, is said to have given 100 bronze mirrors to the shaman queen. (Such gifts were used as a medium of exchange among allied nobles.)
Strangely, Queen Himiko doesn’t appear in many Japanese historical documents. Rather, it’s in a Chinese chronicle known as the Records of the Three Kingdoms where the oldest and most complete mention of this fascinating character is to be found. The records, compiled in about 290 C.E., provide one of the most reliable historical texts about these Chinese dynasties. The account of the exchange of gifts does not, however, indicate where the kingdom of Yamatai may have been. It said to have been an empire which controlled some 30 kingdoms on what are, today, the islands of Japan.
Recent discoveries regarding this piece are deeply relevant because they allow us to rethink the very history of Japanese magic mirrors and their many uses. Among these is their possible use as objects of worship in rites dedicated to solar deities. Such precious mirrors, only recently known in the West, are frequently found within excavations carried out at ancient burial mounds and it’s believed that they were placed in rows such that they projected multiple images. Research also suggests that so-called “Wei mirrors,” a subcategory of Japanese magic mirrors in clearly Chinese styles, were made by artisans born in China and who left their country to take refuge within the Japanese archipelago.
Even knowing nothing of the history of those who made such mirrors, nor to whom they belonged, Chinese mirrors continue to fascinate us with their magic, one that surpasses the optical phenomena they produce. Himiko’s mirror embodies something else: the story of a fascinating character of whom little is known, the essence of a shaman queen who once ruled some 50 Japanese kingdoms.
You’ve probably seen the scene in The Mummy (1999) when they first enter the treasure store. Rachel Weisz’s character moves a mirror and it reflects sunlight from outside. Soon, a sequence of mirrors lights up the entire chamber.
The magic brush horse is often depicted as a symbol of hope and luck in many cultures. It is believed that encountering this creature brings good fortune and blessings to those who believe in its existence. In some traditions, people may create artwork or sculptures of the magic brush horse as a way to invite its positive energy into their lives. While the magic brush horse is purely a creature of folklore and mythology, its legend continues to captivate the hearts and imaginations of many. It serves as a reminder of the power of belief and the potential for magic in our everyday lives. Whether or not the magic brush horse truly exists, its story serves as a testament to the human desire for hope and the belief in something greater than ourselves..
Reviews for "Enhance Your Artistic Skills with the Magic Brush Horse"
1. Sarah - 1 star - I was really disappointed with the Magic Brush Horsee. The brush was so small and ineffective, it didn't do much to clean my horse's coat. The bristles were also quite stiff and rough, which made it uncomfortable for my horse when I brushed him. Overall, I feel like I wasted my money on this product and would not recommend it to other horse owners.
2. John - 2 stars - I had high hopes for the Magic Brush Horsee, but it didn't live up to my expectations. The bristles on the brush were not durable and started falling out after just a few uses. Additionally, the handle was flimsy and didn't provide a good grip, making it difficult to effectively brush my horse. I had to constantly reposition my hand to get a decent brushing motion. I was disappointed with the overall quality and would not purchase this product again.
3. Emily - 3 stars - The Magic Brush Horsee was average at best. While the brush did remove some dirt and loose hair from my horse's coat, it wasn't as effective as I had hoped. I had to go over the same spot multiple times to get it clean, which was time-consuming. The bristles were also quite stiff, so I had to be careful not to brush too hard and accidentally scratch my horse. Overall, it's an okay brush, but there are definitely better options out there.