17th Century German Barock Carved Mirror

An English fret-carved mahogany wall, or pier, mirror of superb colour and patina. Late-George II period, circa 1760. The unusual, undulating, serpentine inner border is gesso carve...

A fine English George III-period carved and gilt gesso mirror, ca 1765. This exceptional Georgian giltwood mirror is surmounted by a displayi...

A very rare carved gilt gesso dressing mirror. Queen Anne / George I-period, ca 1710-20. Decorated all over with the original finely carved gilt-gesso surfaces with typical circular punched reserves. The hinged fall - of what one might refer to as the 'table bureau' section - reveals a shaped, fitted interior, gilded and japanned (''lacquered'') in black with red. Some external carved surfaces show very minor areas of wear revealing the authentic bole and gesso ground. Overall in superb condition. H: 39 1/2’’ (100 cm) D: 12 1/2’’ (31.5 cm) W: 17 3/4’’ (45.5 cm). Reminiscent of the work of London-based James Moore (ca 1670-1726), a supreme exponent of the art of cut gesso and gilding. This dressing table mirror is possibly unique in this form, and as such has survived some 310 years in remarkably original state. It may have been part of a suite of furniture, would have been extremely costly, and very much the reserve of the aristocracy and wealthy in the early part of the 18th century. For documented pieces by James Moore visit the Royal Collection Trust. Wikipedia: James Moore (furniture designer). James Moore (circa 1670 - October 1726) was established at Short's Gardens, St. Giles-in-the-Fields. He was in partnership with John Gumley from 1714 and, unlike his partner, did not advertise - the sole published reference to him being a notice of his death in The Weekly Journal or The British Gazetteer. As Royal cabinet-maker he supplied walnut and mahogany furniture for the Royal Household, the Royal Yacht, and the King's servants and mistresses, as well as the rich gilt-gesso work for which he is best known. Moore is especially renowned for gilt-gesso furniture: tables; looking glass frames; and candle stands. A pair of gilt-gesso side tables bearing the crowned cypher of George I in The Royal Collection, and the pair of candle stands en-suite are incised with his name - an unusual practice at the time. At Erddig, such furniture by Moore can be linked to surviving bills and receipts from James Moore and John Belchier, 1722-26. Gilt-gesso furniture is also encountered in fine Louis XIV and other European furniture of the period. Literature: Ralph Edwards CBE FSA 'The Shorter Dictionary of English Furniture', Hamlyn, London (Fourth Impression 1972) ill. 5, p. 363. One of a pair of looking glasses by James Moore, 1720. Erddig, Denbigh. The crest is reminiscent of that upon our dressing mirror, which we are offering here. Kreisel, Heinrich, 'Die Kunst Des Deutschen Mobels', CH Beck, Munchen (1970) ill. 345, p. 347 - note similarities in the treatment of the top of the crest. This mirror was last seen in the collection of Augsburg Castle. Synge, Lanto, 'Great English Furniture', London (1991) p. 52. Symonds, R. W., 'A Royal Scrutoire', Connoisseur (June 1940) pp. 233-236. Symonds, R. W., 'English Gesso Furniture', The Antique Collector, Vol. XXVII (August 1956) p. 140. 'A Golden Cabinet...

An English Chippendale-period carved giltwood mirror. Mid-18th century, ca 1755. Flanked, in a delicately-shaped frame, by carved fruit, bold C scrolls and foliage: very typical of ...

Exceptional pair of carved giltwood mirrors refined with precious tortoiseshell rectangular plate scrolled acanthus leaf cresting, architectural elements, winged putti and scrolled f...

Exceptional pair of carved giltwood mirrors refined with precious tortoiseshell rectangular plate scrolled acanthus leaf cresting, architectural elements, winged putti and scrolled f...

Exceptional pair of carved giltwood mirrors refined with precious tortoiseshell rectangular plate scrolled acanthus leaf cresting, architectural elements, winged putti and scrolled f...

A stunning mirror from the French Renaissance. This period was the cultural and artistic movement in France and is clearly depicted in the hand carved detailing of drapes, scrolling acanthus with religious angel...