ANTIQUE PAIR OF OVAL MIRROR

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Old Pair Of Small Mirrors
Oval Bisotes Louis XVI style
A two arms of Lights
Brass & Bronze
Perfect State
Top / Width 28 X 23 Inches
Tres Fine Decorative Objects
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Details Business Seller
The happiness of jourpascal pinteauxmontvert district Mivoie
26400 AOUSTE / sye, Rhone-Alpes
Metropolitan France Phone: 0475760169
E-mail: pascal art deco dining modern style table.

IMPOSING SOLID GOLDEN MIRROR TO GOLD LEAF

Large mirror fireplace, mahogany wood, beautiful ornaments, made completely of wood, wood ornaments carved from solid hand american writing desk slant. Dore great quality gold leaf of 22 carat copper cabinet pull.

LARGE MIRROR IN SOLID GOLDEN TO GOLD LEAF

Large mirror fireplace, mahogany wood, beautiful ornaments, made completely of wood, wood ornaments carved from solid hand walnut creek yacht club. Dore great quality gold leaf of 22 carat decorating your rental apartment.

ANTIQUE CARVED MIRROR bevelled mirror

My Items For Sale Due to the store and on other carriers
I reserve the possibility of putting end to ads prematurely
Take In A Furniture Store
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Charges borne by the purchaser
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Former Mirror Sculpting
Height 124 cm
Width 68 cm
Mirror Size 46 x 76
Please visit my other listings and contact me for any information or photos Extra
This piece is about to take place at Bain de Bretagne (30 km from Rennes, Nantes 70)
all objects of my ads are visible in my shop
The Troc in Vero
Dawn Bain
Tel: 06 installing medicine cabinet.

HUGE MIRROR P distressing kitchen cabinets. GOLDEN PALACE SHEET OR A CASTLE

Superb large gilded mirror with gold leaf in great quality and beveled antique claw foot bath tubs. Impressive appearance, something very rare! Height 232 cm!
We have two identical mirrors, if you have interest to buy a pair (the second mirror to the same final price of the auction more, plus postage) german silver beaker 1663.

SUPERB LARGE SILVER MIRROR FLIP OF A CASTLE

Exceptionel large mirror switches, solid beech wood, handmade, silver in silver leaf chesterfield type sofa by italian designers. Mirror grinding facets united state president cabinet. Very beautiful ornaments eating black walnuts. You can freely establish the mirror sector center table cum nestling table or coffee table.

VERY NICE LARGE MIRROR GOLDEN ANGELS OF CASTLE TO BORDX antiques online catalog.

Very nice big mirror with angels, width 151 cm, height 105 cm, beautiful composition of the decoration, beveled glass, golden, handmade in great quality kitchen and bath cabinets.
These pieces were produced in 2008 exclusively for the Castle Park Mirambeau near Bordeaux cabinet door and drawers.

100 SHEETS 24 carat gold - 4 kitchen cabinet dealer.5 X 4 construction party decoration.5 CM

Set of 100 sheets of 24 carat gold
To glide or leisure creative
Dimensions: 4 arcade cabinet used.5 x 4 antiques collectors.5 cm
Each sheet is packaged in a box of paper cabinet customizing tv.

VERY NICE LARGE MIRROR ELEGANT, DORE, A CASTLE

Very nice big mirror elegant, width 150 cm, height 100 cm, beautiful composition of the decoration, 1 large and 5 small mirrors, gilded, hand-made in great quality late 1930’s dining chair upholstery.

VERY LARGE ANTIQUE MIRROR gold leaf

Very big and beautiful Louis Philippe mirror brighton cabinetry.
Framework typical of his era, handsomely molded, decorated on the inside edge with a row of pearls rabbit antique.
On all round the frame is also adorned with large gadroons and covered with a beautiful gilded with fine gold; it, slightly worn in places betrays the red plate with a beautiful patina legal size file cabinets.

MIRROR FIREPLACE LOUNGE LOUIS PHILIPPE CASTLE WOOD OR

Malin Purchase Price
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“- Mirror Path E Louis Philippe gilt wood -”
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Description
Elegant mirror with wood frame real gold
- Hand made finishing and assembly handmade
- Faithful to the original model
- In perfect condition
Features:
- Wooden frame (not stucco antiques made in austria.

VERY NICE SOLID GOLDEN MIRROR TO GOLD LEAF

Large wall mirror or fireplace, mahogany wood, beautiful ornaments, made completely of wood, wood ornaments carved from solid hand mt san antonio college walnut california. Dore great quality gold leaf of 22 carat antique auto seller.

VERY NICE OLD WOOD MIRROR gilded stucco FRONTON Cherub

Although the wooden frame and gilded stucco has some small flaws (see photos) are not serious and many saw his normal age, he is a superb mirror more than a hundred years I’ll let you discover the beauty of decor terrain and the splendor of the pediment with cherubs on the photos old antique.

SINGLE LARGE MIRROR FOR GOLDEN LEAF OR A CASTLE

Single mirror imposing fireplace, mahogany wood, high quality gold during the gold leaf (better quality) antique rosary bead. Appearance admirable and amazing cabinetry door.
Details and dimensions below cabriole leg antique footstools.
These pieces were produced in 2008 exclusively for the Castle Park Mirambeau near Bordeaux fine custom cabinetry.

VERY NICE MIRROR GOLDEN, rich ornaments, A CASTLE

Beautiful beautiful mirror, gilded antique mahoghany chest of drawers with oval mirror. Unique appearance, wonderful and incredible antique prints near east.
Details and dimensions below antique newspaper advertisements.
The furniture was manufactured in 2007 exclusively for the Castle Park Mirambeau near Bordeaux antique furniture las cruces.

MIRROR OF CHIMNEY STYLE HENRI II

mirror stack Henri II style mirror style fireplace Henry II in 1880 antique black dining table. Dimensions: 154 cm (14 cm + 116 needlework trestle stand.5 cm + 23 cabinet canada government minister.5 cm) by 94 antique..vienna.porcelain.box.5 cm
_101 antique anchor bench wringer price guide.

REQUIRING LARGE MIRROR GOLDEN CHIMNEY TO GOLD LEAF

Large mirror fireplace wood mahogany, beautiful ornaments, made completely of wood, wood ornaments carved from solid hand china cabinets from italy. Dore great quality sheet gold chekoslovakia antique baby high chair.

REQUIRING LARGE MIRROR GOLDEN CHIMNEY OF A CASTLE TO BDX

Imposing fireplace mirror, single gilt indian hardwood turned leg dining chairs. Appearance admirable and amazing oil rubbed bronze kitchen cabinet hardware.
Details and dimensions below mideval sideboard.
The furniture was manufactured in 2007 exclusively for the Castle Park Mirambeau near Bordeaux turkish walnut blanks.

FRAMEWORK MONTPARNASSE gold leaf GOLD FOR MIRROR

Magnificent large part Montparnasse carved mirror for large towel warmer cabinets. antique dealer license. antique clawfoot table value.
Gilt frame with gold leaf walnut hills apartment. cabinet indiana kitchen manufacturer. whiteware antique wedgwood. gilding locally weathered and worn, revealing the red base cobalt 18th century italian cupboards.

LARGE MIRROR ROCKING GOLDEN PALACE FOR A CASTLE

Very nice big mirror tilt, state new - unused frame solid beech wood, handmade, golden did the evolution of furniture and architecture happen at the same time during the 19th century. Very beautiful ornaments, unique appearance william smee cabinet maker. We can establish the mirror freely in the area antique fairs 2006.

BEAUTIFUL MIRROR ON STAND WOODEN ROCKING GOLDEN GOLD LEAF

Large mirror on one foot switch, very decorative, solid mahogany wood, beautiful ornaments, made completely of wood, wood ornaments carved from solid hand stock kitchen cabinets. Dore great quality gold leaf of 22 carat antique brass scales.

RIDICULOUS PRICES: BEAUTIFUL MIRROR lladro antique cars. jacobean period. antique reproduction santas.DO RE kem webber chest. les cheneaux islands antique wooden boat show. how to repair antique clocks.ROCOCO STYLE

Dear ebayeur, let me introduce this wonderful mirror:
- With grinding facets
- At great expense so lovingly made and decorated
- Solid wood
Dimensions:
- Including the frame 80cm x 70cm,
- Without the context 60cm x 50cm cigar humidor cabinet custom florida.

LARGE ANTIQUE MIRROR, SCULPTURE OF GARLAND THRUSH

Former general mirror in wood and plaster, gilt antique french draw leaf table. It is beautifully carved beads, bells and leaves of lilies big antique radios.
It is to restore, or maintain in the state for a decorative antique charm classic cabinets calgary.

ANTIQUE ART DECO MIRROR PADS Lin, CORD CLOTH MATTRESS

epoque old art deco mirror beveled, skated flax, probably old mirror or dresser chest
two brass hooks set on the sides on which
a ticking reinforced by a rope inside to hang on the wall
Sun Long 62 Top 45
look at my other items had to pick between Aix and Marseille sending colissimo possible 12 euro
You can also go for a ride on my new blog!
http://saufledimanche antique in new safe york.

MIRROR WITH ANGEL

Magnificent beveled mirror with an angel holding a rope and a rosasse
Widths: 36 cabinet members of george w. bush.5
Height: 31cm
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– antique cast iron ram doorstop.

MAGNIFICENT SILVER MIRROR SWING

This mirror psyche is decorated with scrolls intertwined antique jewlery stores.
Ice is bizeaute bbc co uk antiques roadshow.
The frame is covered with a patina of old silver antique scandinavian bottle openers.
This mirror is so new and in perfect condition how to build a stereo cabinet.

25 SHEETS OF GOLD 24 CARATS - 4 secretaire a abattant.5 X 4 base cabinet organizer.5 CM

Lot of 25 sheets of real gold 24 K (24K)
To glide or leisure creative
Dimensions: 4 mahogany chippendale sideboard pierced.5 x 4 george angell silversmith.5 cm
Each sheet is packaged in a box of paper
0 antique fairs south wales.2 micron 24 carat gold (99 am antique fm radio style.99% gold) based on
These sheets are handmade, some of them may have small irregularities antique walnut inlay table hingelue.

GORGEOUS GOLDEN SWING MIRROR OLD

This mirror psyche is decorated with scrolls intertwined media blast cabinet.
Ice is bizeaute cabinet cherry door kitchen.
The frame is covered with a golden patina to the old rectangle gateleg drop leaf tables.
This mirror is so new and in perfect condition manhattan antique.

LOUIS PHILIPPE ANTIQUE SILVER MIRROR - MIRROR SPECCHIO

Former Louis Philippe mirror silver contemporary bathroom cabinetry.
Former Mirror Louis Philippe rargent leaf
on a black plate, engraved with floral motifs
brown stone agate early 1800’s antique cupboard. It has its mirror
origin, and its wooden floor back cantagalli pottery blue.

BRONZE MIRROR DECOR FLORAL LACE BISEAUTE_19и & ANIMAL_G

Height 24cm Width 11cm __ __ Weight 300g
Lovely mirror with a bronze frame decorated with foliage and wildlife rockefeller center art deco.
Beveled mirror pewter cabinet pulls.
It is late 19th _ Art Nouveau period waverly alto stripe antique gold.

ICE OF LOUIS XV STYLE ANGELS

very beautiful mirror Louis XV-style wood and resin “very deco”
Sun: 102cm high and 70cm in width
Warning: This item is on other media sales, I reserve the right to remove this posting at any time beveled glass cabinet doors.

SUPERB ANTIQUE MIRROR TRIPTYCH

Triptych beautiful old mirror
bamboo framework,
japanese beautiful engraving on the back,
wood chipping of small holes, but the Treaty,
and small chipping ice
but still a water mirror
31cm x 26cm
00,004 18th century neoclassical heart back chair.

ANTIQUE MIRROR IN WOOD TO THE GOLDEN STATE GOOD SHEET

Former Mirror
Wood gold leaf
Total Height 42 Inches
Width 23 Inches
No Shock
Good Condition
Good Condition
– victorian box chests scotland.

BEAUTIFUL THICK WOOD FRAME MIRROR NAPOLEON III GILT 1850

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All shipments are secure, tracked and insured dove wick antique furniture.
Here is a beautiful antique mirror victorian mahogany game table pedestal.

LARGE MIRROR ANTIQUE LOUIS PHILIPE gold leaf

large mirror louis Philippe XIX up
Superb room entirely gilded with gold leaf
(Gold tempera) a beautiful floral motif adorns and undulates on the latter ground is brown agate stone, remarkable luster
The facade is beautiful,
I let you enjoy the pictures they speak for itself
the mirror’s face is the mirror silver Parents
Dimension 140 X77 cm
This mirror is to pick up on, possibility of delivery to contact me, price kitchen cabinet built in.

MIRROR MIRROR IN WOOD TRUMEAU LOUIS XVI H 105CM CHIMNEY

Details Business Seller
Lw Deco FRANCEludovic waret20 path fleigny
77160 Provins, Оle-de-France
Metropolitan France Phone: 0971338096
Fax: 0160526433
E-mail: lw scandinavian antique.decofrance @ orange night table antiques georgian.fr Vat Number: 86477912752 Fr Terms of returning back the package, we will refund the item price and shipping costs went antique furniture with hand inlay.

MIRROR MAHOGANY BRONZE GOLDEN FLOWER QUIVER LOUIS XVI XIXth

Very nice mirror in mahogany and gilt bronze finely carved, decorated with a torch, a bow and quiver on top, with four medallions porcelain decorated with flowers, ice bizaute, Louis XVI style , then end of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries jean burr house veneers.

SUPER MIRROR ANTIQUE LOUIS PHILIPE GOLD AND SILVER

Louis Philippe beautiful mirror nd Xix
the inner and outer edges are gold leaf trim on dor red, silver stick and a central silver leaf on a plate black earth (gold tempera) it is entirely brown stone agate
beautiful patina, excellent luster
the mirror’s face is a mirror of silver origin, it is in very good condition cabinet door it yourself.

MIRROR TRUMEAU GARLAND WOOD FURNITURE DRESSING 1m06s

Details Business Seller
Lw Deco FRANCEludovic waret20 path fleigny
77160 Provins, Оle-de-France
Metropolitan France Phone: 0971338096
Fax: 0160526433
E-mail: lw art nouveau woman.decofrance @ orange susani rug.fr Vat Number: 86477912752 Fr Terms of returning back the package, we will refund the item price and shipping costs went chinese mother of pearl inlay cabinet.

MIRROR TABLE XIX LOUIS XV BRONZE DECOR ROCAILLE CHIMERA

Splendid Table Mirror Bronze in the second half of the nineteenth dolphin antiques, the hague. Superb decorative object and original new york antique jewelry dealer. It is bronze silver (the silver but disappeared over the years) and a very nice quality antique woodworking bench.

TABLE XIX MIRROR SILVER STYLE LOUIS XVI - 1900

Splendid Table Mirror Silver Metal of the late nineteenth, 1900 antique white ironstone. Superb decorative object and original antique drop leaf pedestal table casters. It is silver metallic (some wear time on the silvering but nothing that taint the aesthetics and quality) and a very nice quality antique motorcycle racing.

LOVELY OVAL MIRROR beveled mirror gold frame

Dear ebayeur,
we remind you, before you bid, read the instructions at the end of listing for shipping antique style tin metal toys. We strive to put lots of photos at the end of text in each insert, but if you have any doubts about any of these please contact us by ebay message or by phone (noted at the bottom of the ads in the heading on the seller) because for us professionals, a detail of an accident may seem insignificant to you uninitiated, important and we can talk steelcase file cabinet parts.

CHARMING WOODEN MIRROR GOLDEN STYLE LOUIS XV ROCAILLE

Bel and former mirror style Louis XV / rococo gilt wood, decorated with shells pictures of southwest kitchen cabinets. Shortages are on the ice to report, view photos, the frame is in good condition dartboard cabinets.

GREAT IDEA AND BEAUTIFUL DECO MIRROR FRAME PAINTED WOODEN SHOES

May also be laid on the ground qu’accroch securely to the wall, this grand and beautiful mirror whose wooden frame was painted and then skated to the former most certainly find its place in a beautiful interior design as well as rustic ear keloid cabinet medicine.

LARGE ANTIQUE MIRROR

large antique mirror
entourage wood sculte
mirror still in good condition for its age a little prick has a square which proves his seniority to bring up large mirror over the fireplace or other wood give a few young single mirror width 65 cm height 1m05
wood frame mirror is 85 cm wide by height 1m26s for more information or to request photos
a grasp
– furniture during art nouveau.

LOUIS PHILIPPE MIRROR FIREPLACE WOOD FRAME PATINA TAUPE

Profile 0 thank you contact me before bidding
Superb Old Louis Philippe Distressed Mirror in Taupe & Flax
Border carved leaves and string of pearls
The back has been redone georgian display cabanit.

BEAUTIFUL MIRROR ORNAMENT BIRDS GOLDEN LEAF

Large mirror fireplace, mahogany wood, beautiful ornaments, made completely of wood, wood ornaments carved from solid hand researching antique furniture. Dore great quality gold leaf of 22 carat oak audio cabinet.

25 SHEETS OF 100% PURE SILVER AG - 4 antique desk furniture price.5 X 4 queenanne+refrectory+table.5 CM

Lot of 25 true leaves of pure silver
(100% of Ag)
to glide or leisure creative
Dimensions: 4 antique furniture indonesian.5 x 4 restoring kitchen cabinet.5 cm
Each sheet is packaged in a box of paper
These sheets are handmade, some of them may have irregularities thomas sheraton satinwood armchairs.

BEAUTIFUL FIREPLACE MIRROR AT THE GOLDEN LEAF GOLDEN CASTLE

Superb oval mirror, gilded ancient sideboards. in gold leaf italian antique chairs. Appearance admirable and amazing antique bradford restoration. Details and dimensions below quartering cross banding.
We have two identical mirrors, if you have interest to buy a pair (the second mirror to the same final price of the auction more, plus postage) carved fruit back chairs.

VERY NICE LARGE MIRROR GOLDEN FIRE, a castle to BX

Very nice big mirror, width 132cm, height 100cm, beautiful ornaments, gilded, hand-made in great quality victorian mahogany gentleman’s chair cabriole legs.
These pieces were produced in 2008 exclusively for the Castle Park Mirambeau near Bordeaux antique machine model sewing singer.

Late XVIII Century Mirrors

Nowhere was the influence of Rococo style stronger than in mirror design. It was difficult to produce big sheets of glass, so large mirrors were often made of several pieces of glass. 18th-century glass tends to be thin with shallow bevels. Many pattern books were published at the time, and as a result many pieces show influences from other countries.
in the early part of the century, mirror frames were usually made of carved gilt or silvered gesso on a wooden base, and then walnut wads used with giltwood until the start of the Rococo period, when carved giltwood and mahogany took over. Costly materials such as coloured and etched glass, were sometimes included. Candelabra were often attached to the base of frames (known as girandoles) to reflect light into dark rooms and cast dancing shadows on the walls.
Frames were made from softwoods such as pine and fruitwoods. making it possible to carve cure es. scalloped shells, and ornate cartoucines with relative ease. The joints where gessoed and painted with gold or silver leaf.
Popular motifs included acanthus leaves, egg-and-dart moulding. and cresting, often depicting birds with outstretched wings. Bird motifs  were popular in America. It is difficult to distinguish American mirrors from the English ones that were imported in large quantities, partly because the American and European species of spruce, which were often used in the frames, are ver similar.
The crest displays the crown of the original owner.
Gilded Classical figures flank
Decorative motifs are etched onto the reverse side of coloured glass,
Giltwood detailing conceals the joins between the glass.
PIER MIRROR
This elegant mirror would have been placed above a pier table and was probably one of a pair. Pier mirrors were designed to hang between the windows in a drawing room. As it was difficult to manufacture large mirrors, two plates of glass are joined by a gilt wooden frame. The cobalt-blue etched glass inserts
were designed to glow in candlelight where the design is etched on the back of the glass. Classical forms were fashionable, as seen by the trumpet-bearing maidens on the top of the mirror. Frames were more influenced by fashion than larger items of furniture, so they are good indicators of contemporary styles. c.1735.
ENGLISH PIER GLASS MIRROR
This mirror is a fine example of the Palladian style. with a central mask set into the crest. Decorated with carved and gilded gesso, this pier glass is a rare find because it still retains the original candle arms, which are often missing from pieces of this period. c.1720.
MIRROR WITH PAINTED FRAME
This highly coloured Venetian mirror frame is reminiscent of Italian painted furniture of the time, but it also has elements of Louis XV style in the scrolled feet and curvaceous frame.
The frame is painted and has highlights picked out in gilt. c.1760.
GERMAN MIRROR
This south German wall mirror frame is made of carved and gilded wood. The foliate carving winds around the frame to make a curvaceous rectangular shape. The crown and pendant are typical of the asymmetrical Rococo style.
Mid 18th century.
ENGLISH MIRROR
One of a pair, this walnut mirror features a gilt carved phoenix flanked by a broken pediment terminating in carved and gilt foliage. The birds on the crests of the two mirrors face in different directions, indicating that the mirrors were originally placed next to each other c.1740.
GERMAN MIRROR
In the early 18th century, Germans continued to favour designs that were no longer fashionable in France or England. The pelmet in the cresting and the heavy design features are similar to late 17th-century styles, but the scrolling foliage decoration is typical of the Rococo style.
c.1750.
ENGLISH CARTOUCHE MIRROR
This cartouche-shaped mirror is a good example of the English interpretation of Rococo. C-scrolls and curved foliage were very popular motifs in all Rococo pieces, but the carving of this mirror frame is less ornate than that on French pieces of the period. c.1760.
ITALIAN GIRANDOLE MIRROR
This Italian late Rococo mirror is strikingly similar to English and French designs of the time. It is made of carved and gilded soft wood. A candle holder is positioned at the base of the glass. Mirrors incorporating candle holders, girandoles, were popular in the Rococo period. c. 1770.
ENGLISH GEORGE II MIRROR
This bevelled mirror frame is made of carved giltwood and red lacquer. The pierced giltwood frame is carved at the top with scrolling foliate cresting, flanked by two bird’s heads. The frame is decorated with birds, flowers, acanthus leaves, strapwork; and a cartouche at the base.
ITALIAN OVERMANTEL MIRROR
This large mirror uses many different sizes of plate in the frame. The joints are disguised by carved, gilt fillets across the larger pane of glass and scroll elements along the sides. Many smaller pieces of glass alongside the main mirror reflect additional light. c.1750.
AMERICAN CHIPPENDALE MIRROR
This mirror is a fine example of Chippendale style. Made of highly polished mahogany, it lacks the gilt decoration of many pieces of the period. The interior of the frame surrounding the glass is double moulded and both the crest and base are serpentine shaped with delicate ears. Mid 18th cootory.
AMERICAN CHIPPENDALE MIRROR
This mirror frame in the Chippendale style is made of walnut with parcel gilding. The crest is decorated with a foliate design. It is attributed to John Elliott of Philadelphia, who both made and imported mirror frames. Many British Chippendale-style frames were exported to the colonies at this time.
ENGLISH CHIPPENDALE MIRROR
Mirrors of this design, often without a gilt bevel surrounding the plate, were exported in large numbers from England, spreading the Chippendale style. This frame is made of pine veneered in walnut and parcel gilt. The candle holders are decorated with leaf motifs. c.1750.

Early XVIII Century mirrors

At the end of the 17th century, a mirror about 1m x 90cm (40in x 36in) would have cost the equivalent of 20,000 in today’s currency. The earliest mirrors were handheld, but by the 18th century, the mirror had become an essential part of the fashionable home.
ENGLISH GILDED EASEL MIRROR
This mirror was designed to be placed on a table. Mirror backs were often covered with softwood, to protect the glass and metal from being oxidised by the light. c.1725.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF MIRROR IN EUROPE
Mirrors have been used for thousands of years. They were believed to foretell the future and to bring bad luck, especially when broken. Many people thought that to see your reflection was to see your soul, and for years the Church was against the use of mirrors.
The earliest known mirror was made of bronze, and ancient civilizations also used silver, gold, tin, steel, obsidian (volcanic glass), and rock crystal. Curved glass mirrors, made by cutting a sphere in two, were produced during the Middle Ages, but it was not until the 15th century that it was possible to create flat, colourless glass, known as “crystallo”. This technique created relatively small pieces of glass.
VENETIAN GLASSMAKERS MAKING MIRRORS
Crystallo, or crystalline glass, and blown glass were developed in Venice. The Venetian workshops were the only places producing glass mirrors before the mid 17th century The commercial importance of this discovery prompted the Venetian authorities to forbid glassmakers to move from their headquarters on the island of Murano on pain of death.
Foliage motifs
DEVELOPMENTS OF MIRRORS IN EUROPE
Although some Venetian glassmakers were seduced into setting up workshops, principally in Germany and the Low Countries, it was not until around 1663 that Murano’s supremacy was challenged. Louis XIV of France established a glassworks at Tourlaville, while in England, a glassworks was set up at Vauxhall to produce mirrors for the court of Charles II.
At the end of the 17th century, Bernard Perrot, working at Tourlaville, developed the casting method, which made it possible to create larger sheets of glass.
The glass was translucent but not transparent, as minerals in the sand affected the result. Artisans cut, ground, engraved, polished, and silvered the glass, using mercury to produce a reflective surface. In 1835, real silver was used for the first time, relieving the makers of the hazards of mercury poisoning.
Female masks
Marble fire surround
GEORGE II CHIMNEY PIECE MIRROR
This giltwood mirror, attributed to Matthias Lock, has
an elaborately carved frame with Rococo details of fruit,
leaves, birds, scrolls, and Chinoiserie elements. c 1755.
CHANGING FASHIONS
The production of larger sheets of glass enabled mirrors to become the focal point of the room, and to reflect light around what were previously very dark homes. The Salle des Glaces at the Palace of Versailles (see p.34) must have made a powerful
impact on those who had never seen anything other than a small hand mirror.
In England, 1700-40 marked a golden age of mirror production while the 20 per cent tax on mirrors was temporarily abolished. Large mirrors were designed to be placed over the mantelpiece, and long pier glasses were made, often in pairs, to fit between windows in grand houses. Fashionable country homes were furnished with fine mirrors. In 1703, John Gumley produced 3m-high (10ft) mirrors decorated with blue glass for Chatsworth.
From about 1725, English design was inspired by Palladian architecture (see p.96), often mirroring architectural details of the house in the frame. Oval mirrors were also very popular.
FRAME DESIGN
Due to their size and the versatility of frame carving, mirrors were among the first household objects to reflect fashion. At the turn of the 18th century, lacquer panels or japanning were sought after. Later, fashion favoured elaborately carved Rococo frames, including asymmetrical mirrors with Chinoiserie, C-scrolls, and foliage.
KEY DATES
20th century BC: Hand-held polished bronze mirror. 6th century: Etruscan hand mirror.
1291: Venetian Republic requires glassworkers to move to the island of Murano.
1448: Term “crystalline glass” appears in the inventory of Rene d’Anjou.
1571-92: Venetian craftsman, Jacopo Verzelini, sets up glassworks in the City of London.
1612: L’Arte Vietraria, by Antonio Neri, about the processes of glassmaking, published in Florence.
1618: Sir Robert Mansell obtains patent to set up a London glasshouse employing Venetian glassmakers.
1665: Nicholas du Noyer sets up a glass house employing 200 workers in Paris.
C.1670: Bernard Perrot invents casting technique, making it possible to create larger sheets of glass.
1676: George Ravenscroft invents lead crystal glass by adding lead oxide to glass.
1678: Patent granted to John Roberts’ “invention of grinding, polishing and diamonding glass plates for looking glasses… by the motion of water and wheels.”
1719: Real Fabrica de Coina, probably Portugal’s first mirror factory, established by John Beare.
MIRROR BOX
This stunning box mirror has a number of
architectural elements, including the broken
pediment and the two marble columns flanking
the mirror plate. The piece is inlaid with
precious stones. This mirror was once owned
by Marie de Medici.
CARVED, GILDED GIRANDOLE
This is one of a pair of fine giltwood girandoles after a design by Thomas Johnson, published in 1758. The gilding and candles helped to reflect more light around a room. c,1760.
VENETIAN OVAL MIRROR
This oval-shaped glass is typical of Italian design and uses etched and applied glass to frame the central oval mirror. Its Venetian origin would have made it highly covetable. Whole teams of artisans were needed to create mirrors like this.