Late 19th Century Aesthetic Faux Bamboo Mirror

Date: 1870 -1890
Materials and Techniques: Brass metal, mirror, leather, card, wood, cast, hand-carved
Dimensions: Height: 33.02 cm (13 in)Width (closed): 33.3cm (11 in), W open 55cm (21.7 in), Depth: 5cm (1.9 in)

A Tryptich (tryptic), tripart, trifoldtravel mirror in the Aesthetic Japonisme style. Font panel decorated, depicting Japanese crane, riverside scene and figures within a chased unfolding brass and faux (wood) bamboo frame.
Panels open to 3 panels of mirror each with original glass.

Exceptional hand work and beautifully aged patina and colour to this piece along with a smattering of silvering foxing to the original mirror plates over time. The mirror backs display wonderful textures one with the original main design, the second with original thickly applied iron red paint and the middle-applied leather which has worn away in areas revealing great patina.

The piece can be hung from its original chain on the top or set upon a vanity table. Tiny metal legs fold out to hold up the two outer panels. The centre panel sits upon its wooden structure legs. The mirror has a small missing corner piece (which obviously happened a long time ago) and there are age and use related knocks and patina to the frame, however these quirks (which the piece wears well) do not detract from the over – all functionality or absolute beauty of this piece.

Originally It was sold to the chic new wealthy middle class, Pullman traveling crowd who would hang it for use if the trip was rough.

The piece is a one off, unique in its painted design as I have not in my research found another like it or with its variation of colours and tone, there are others which tend to be of just one particular design in a two tone. One of the best examples I have seen.