DImensions (cm): 26 x 40 x 3.5

Year: 1900's

The bevelled glass plate with a border of alternating premier and contre partie Boulle marquetry, each distinct segment of scrolling foliate form. The present table mirror is inlaid in good quality Boulle marquetry, a technique whereby sheets of tortoiseshell (or turtleshell as in fact was used) and brass are cut through with a fret-saw to produce two designs, one in tortoiseshell, the other in brass. These sheets are then inlaid into a ground of the opposing material. Where brass is inlaid into a ground of tortoiseshell this is known as Premier Partie work, and, conversely, where tortoiseshell is inlaid into brass this is known as Contre Partie, thus allowing pairs of objects to be made in matching designs and yet contrasting colours.
Our Table Mirror is an excellent example of both techniques used side by side in small sections and as such is a distinct rarity. Although the technique was not invented, or indeed used exclusively by him, it is now associated with the name of André-Charles Boulle (1642 – 1732), ébéniste to King Louis XIV, who used it extensively in his work. Following its initial popularity in early 18th century France, the technique was revived from about 1820 and was widely used thereafter in both England and France. In the first half of the 20th century Boulle work of this type was retailed by Asprey and J.C. Vickery, so it is likely that this Mirror is of English rather than French manufacture revived from about 1820 and was wildely used thereafter. in both England and France.In the first half of the 20th Century boulle work of this type was retaled by Asprey and J C Vickery, so it is likely that this mirror is of English rather than French manufacture.

Bar Code: 10069