Visual approach to the imaging of magic mirrors (Makyohs)

The imaging of Japanese magic mirrors (Makyohs) is discussed by comparing the visual images of the backside relief pattern under different illumination conditions and the projected Makyoh image, rather than considering the back relief pattern as the input. It is also hypothesised that for a large number of magic mirrors, the Makyoh imaging is beyond the Laplacian regime under optimum viewing conditions, which accentuates the bright regions in the image; these correspond to reflecting highlights or step edges in the visual image. Published magic mirror images support this hypothesis. Simulations of the visual and Makyoh images are also presented.