Mirror
1660-1680 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This box was created in England around 1670. It is decorated in straw marquetry, which was a popular amateur pursuit at this date and throughout the 18th century.
Straw marquetry is a technique through which an object’s surface is decorated with small pieces of straw to create a pattern. Individual pieces of straw are split and flattened, then glued into place on thin paper on which a design had been drawn. This is then glued to a wooden carcase, which was usually covered first with a thicker paper. The maker could divide the straw into two, four or more strips, depending on the fineness needed for the design. Colour could be added to the surface with various varnishes, which also enhanced the glossy appearance of the marquetry.
Straw marquetry is a technique through which an object’s surface is decorated with small pieces of straw to create a pattern. Individual pieces of straw are split and flattened, then glued into place on thin paper on which a design had been drawn. This is then glued to a wooden carcase, which was usually covered first with a thicker paper. The maker could divide the straw into two, four or more strips, depending on the fineness needed for the design. Colour could be added to the surface with various varnishes, which also enhanced the glossy appearance of the marquetry.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | |
| Brief description | Mirror, deeply lobed exterior, decorated with straw marquetry, English, 1660-1680 |
| Physical description | Dressing mirror with softwood frame, supported by a hinged strut, of deeply lobed outline and containing a rectangular, upright mirror glass (original). The surface of the frame is decorated with straw-work designs in golden brown and other colours on a grey silk background. The scenes represent: at the top, the Fall of Man, with birds and beasts; on the left a man in contemporary dress; on the right a woman in contemporary dress, both figures surrounded by flowers, plants and birds; along the bottom, a vase of flowers. The back covered with paper. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Gallery label | MIRROR
Pinewood frame with straw-work decoration
English, about 1670
The shape and decorative motifs of this mirror are similar to the contemporary examples decorated with lacquer and needlework. Straw-work was a popular amateur pursuit at this date and throughout the 18th century; in 1703, for example a gentlewoman of London advertised in the Edinburgh Gazette instruction in 'Strawork of any sort as houses birds and beasts.(1968) |
| Object history | Bought for £18 from Mr William Newton, 26, Nassau Road, Barnes, London SW13 |
| Historical context | Comparable mirrors: National Trust (Cotehele) |
| Summary | This box was created in England around 1670. It is decorated in straw marquetry, which was a popular amateur pursuit at this date and throughout the 18th century. Straw marquetry is a technique through which an object’s surface is decorated with small pieces of straw to create a pattern. Individual pieces of straw are split and flattened, then glued into place on thin paper on which a design had been drawn. This is then glued to a wooden carcase, which was usually covered first with a thicker paper. The maker could divide the straw into two, four or more strips, depending on the fineness needed for the design. Colour could be added to the surface with various varnishes, which also enhanced the glossy appearance of the marquetry. |
| Other number | 4331/1937 - RF number |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | W.108-1937 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | June 24, 2009 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
