Napoléon III French Ebonised Sorcerer's Mirror, Octagonal 19th Century

Napoléon III Ebonised Sorcerer's Mirror — Octagonal French Mirror, 19th Century

A highly decorative French Napoléon III period ebonised wall mirror dating from the mid-to-late 19th century. Of distinctive octagonal form, the mirror features an intricately decorated ebonised wooden frame with brass inlay, colourful red and blue decorative details and hardstone-style medallions, surrounding an unusual circular sorcerer's or witch's mirror.

Full Description

An exceptional and highly decorative French antique mirror dating from the Napoléon III period, mid-to-late 19th century, with a distinctive octagonal ebonised wooden frame and richly detailed decoration.

The blackened frame is finely embellished with intricate brass inlay arranged in scrolling and floral motifs, together with colourful red and blue inlaid decoration and decorative hardstone-style medallions. The contrast between the deep ebonised wood and the intricate contrasting decoration gives the mirror the dramatic and sophisticated character associated with Napoléon III interiors and the richly decorative taste of 19th-century France.

At the centre is a circular sorcerer's mirror, also known as a witch's mirror, featuring distinctive scalloped-cut detailing within the glass. This unusual decorative treatment provides a fascinating focal point and sits beautifully within the strong geometric form of the surrounding octagonal frame.

The frame was originally constructed as a clock case, with the original clock face and mechanism subsequently removed and replaced with the circular mirror. This unusual conversion makes the piece particularly interesting, retaining the elaborate decorative character of the original 19th-century case while giving it its present function as a striking antique wall mirror.

A wonderfully unusual example of French Napoléon III decorative design, combining ebonised wood, intricate brass inlay, colourful decorative accents and a distinctive sorcerer's mirror. Its strong architectural form and rich decoration make it an exceptional statement piece for a country-house interior, period property or eclectic contemporary setting.

Details

Origin: France Date: Napoléon III period, mid-to-late 19th century Material: Ebonised wood with brass inlay and decorative inlaid details Form: Octagonal wall mirror Mirror: Circular sorcerer's / witch's mirror with scalloped-cut detailing Decoration: Floral and scrolling brass inlay with red and blue decorative accents and hardstone-style medallions Original Function: Clock case, subsequently converted to a mirror Condition: Good antique condition, with the expected signs of age and use

Styling Notes

A particularly striking decorative mirror with the presence to become a focal point within an interior. The deep ebonised finish and intricate brass decoration work beautifully above a console, mantel or commode, while the unusual sorcerer's mirror adds an intriguing decorative element. Equally suited to a traditional French interior, country-house setting or an eclectic scheme combining antique and contemporary pieces.

Delivery

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