Oval hand mirror consisting of molded galvanized rubber handle and back, the straight handle simulating entwined branches and the back decorated with a griffon, bird and foliage. Beveled oval mirror with narrow gilded metal surround.

There are 3 other images of this object. See our image rights statement.

See more objects with the tag display, revival, ornate, foliate, toilette, grooming.

Object Timeline

-0001	We photographed this object.
1992	We acquired this object.
2004	We exhibited this object.
2015	We photographed this object.
2016	We photographed this object. We photographed this object. We exhibited this object.
2019	You found it!

Hand Mirror (probably England), 1850–1900

This is a Hand Mirror. It is dated 1850–1900 and we acquired it in 1992. Its medium is molded vucanized rubber, glass, gilt metal. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

The molded Renaissance-style ornament of this gutta percha mirror is especially crisp and refined in character. Gutta percha is a natural plastic, made from an East Indian tree resin. Introduced into Europe in the 1820s, it became popular for use in molded furniture elements and small items during the last half of the 19th century. Because of its tendency to become brittle over time, it rarely survives in as good condition as in this piece.

This object was donated by Unknown. It is credited Gift of Anonymous Donor.

Shaped open back with voluted top rail and two horizontal crossing members enclosing a verre églomisé panel bearing the arms of the Earl of Scarsdale (extinct 1735). Cabriole sharply raking rear legs, voluted at knees, and with moulded ankles and Dutch feet. Voluted cabriole front legs with gilded pewter mounts at knees; hoof feet. Gilded pewter mask in center of front seat rail. Slip seat.

Scarsdale Side Chair, 1724–36
walnut and beechwood, gilt pewter, gilt and reverse-painted glass (verre....
Bequest of Mrs. John Innes Kane.
1926-22-58

Etui (a), with hinged lid, the whole of flattened oval form in section, tapering toward base; green ground diapered in raised white dots; raised white rococo scrolls framing five panels with mythological scenes in color: Diana seated with standing dog; Venus standing with Cupid running with a bow, obelisk behind. Fitted with ivory memo tablet (b), gilt copper pencil holder (c), gilt copper paper knife (d), gilt copper pen knife with steel blade (e), steel and gilt copper scissors (f), steel tweezers (g), and a gilt copper bodkin (h).

Etui With Writing And Grooming Instruments (England), 1770–80
enamel on copper, gilt copper, steel, ivory, cut wood.
Bequest of Sarah Cooper Hewitt.
1931-6-105-a/h

Oblong, off-white, plastic body with grooves; perforated, metal, razor attachment at top; switch on reverse, element to plug in detatchable cord on bottom.

S50 Standard Electric Razor, 1950
metal, plastic.
Gift of Barry Friedman and Patricia Pastor.
1986-99-33-a/d

Our curators have highlighted 3 objects that are related to this one.

Vertical rectangle showing the back of a hand mirror. The central scene shows Medea fleeing Corinth in a chariot drawn by winged dragons, which belonged to her grandfather Helios. Below, Medea rejuvenates Jason’s father Aeson.The frame design is densely composed of strapwork and female figures. At top, an enthroned woman. Pearls hang from the frame on either side.

Print, Hand Mirror with Scenes from the Story of Medea, 1561
engraving on white laid paper.
Museum purchase through gift of Mrs. John Innes Kane.
1946-13-1

A highly decorative white teapot and lid with detail on the body, spout and handle. The center has panels depicting figures in an outdoor scene.

Apostles Teapot And Lid, ca. 1842
glazed stoneware.
Gift of Stephen Parks.
2007-26-10-a,b

A shell-work fountain on a mound of rockwork in the foreground, with two monkeys at the left. In the background, a temple portico houses another fountain, with vase and pyramid beside it.

Print, Rocaille (rococo design), in Nouveaux morceaux pour des paravents (New...
etching, engraving on white paper.
Gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt.
1931-94-11

Its dimensions are

H x W x D: 28.6 x 10.2 x 2.5 cm (11 1/4 x 4 x 1 in.)

Cite this object as

Hand Mirror (probably England), 1850–1900; molded vucanized rubber, glass, gilt metal; H x W x D: 28.6 x 10.2 x 2.5 cm (11 1/4 x 4 x 1 in.); Gift of Anonymous Donor; 1992-60-1

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibitions Thom Browne Selects and Faster, Cheaper, Newer, More: The Revolutions of 1848.

Short URL http://cprhw.tt/o/2DxfF/
Accession Number 1992-60-1
Object ID 18640775