Louis XIV Period Tortoiseshell Mirror

This monumental 17th-century Flemish mirror is crafted in the grand Baroque style. The magnificent frame is veneered in exquisite tortoiseshell with wave-moulded bands of ebony providing a flawless accent. Tortoiseshell and ebony were both among the most precious and coveted materials of the 17th century, and are used to their utmost effect in this exceptionally rare looking glass. Flemish glassworkers enjoyed a reputation of excellence beginning in the 16th century. These skillful craftsmen are credited with the invention of the tin-mercury method of mirror-making, a process that made polished metal mirrors obsolete. They employed and excelled in a number of decorative techniques in creating the frames, including marquetry, japanning (Dutch and Flemish japanning was of the highest quality, surpassing even the English), and the use of tortoiseshell veneering...

Grand in size and decoration, this exceptional Napoleon III-period mirror is further set apart by an elaborate giltwood frame that features decorative elements such as garlands, dove...

A wonderful French early 18th Century Regence giltwood mirror. The heavily foxed original mercury glass plate with a soft shallow bevel. The carved frame with foliate strapwork and...

A rare and extremely high quality Italian late 17th/early 18th century Louis XIV period double framed giltwood mirror, from the famous Palazzo Borghese...