How can this interesting set of mirrors be constructed?

[Wrichik Basu]

The mirror that I'm talking of, is situated in Hazarduari Palace in Murshidabad, West Bengal, India. This place was once the capital of Bengal under the Nawab before the British defeated the Nawab in the historic battle of Plassey, 1757.

The history is not that important here, but the mirror is. In fact, this is not a single mirror, but a set of mirrors that adorn the so-called "dressing table" of the Nawab. The importance of this set of mirrors is that, when you look at it, you can see everyone around yourself, but not yourself.

When we had visited this historic place, we also got a chance to see this famous mirror set. Whether you look at it from a distance or very close, you'll never be able to see yourself, but you will clearly be able to see everyone standing next to you.

As it was a museum, photography was prohibited there, due to which I cannot show a photo of the mirror. I searched on Google but couldn't find a photo, perhaps due to the same reasons. So you've to believe my words that something like that really exists.

Now, my question is, can anyone show or explain how such a wonder can be created with plane mirrors? I've never seen it elsewhere. How can you not see yourself but everyone around you?

 

[sophiecentaur]

I looked at the link but there is no picture of the mirror arrangement that you refer to. Can you find one?

 

[rumborak]

From the Wikipedia page:

There are also two pairs of mirrors in the museum, that are placed at an angle of 90 degrees in such a way that one cannot see one's own face but others can see.

That was going to be my guess also, that it's two mirrors at an angle to each other, and you're looking head on.

 

[Wrichik Basu]

@rumborak How did you find that? ​

Actually the link was for those who don't know about the place. So I never read through it. Great discovery, though.