This antique Louis XVI style profusely hand carved and gilt wood frame with rectangular mercury mirror dates back to late 18th-early 19th century and was made in Northern Italy area.

This wonderful gold leaves gilding frame features an extremely rich hand carved all-around and in relief crafts work with nature inspired patterns and geometrical motif. It has a typical shape called “cassetta” (it could be translated as a box frame, pillow frame or more accurately called an 'encasing' frame) with a reverse profile meaning that the window opening is projected towards the viewer instead of remaining flush with the wall to increase theatrical effects of light’s reflection over its surface. The wide external frame has a background punched with tiny indentations, punching is also combined with high relief carving, to produce even greater richness and emphasis with blooming flowers, leaves, rosettes and scrolls throughout all framed by a band carved with geometrical patterns and stylized acanthus leaves, whilst ovoid and beaded geometric inlays surround the innermost and overhanging part of the frame. This central and inner part opens, probably in origin this wood frame was used to house an important painting or as a case and only later was used to accommodate a mirror plate. It can be restored to its ancient function simply by removing the mirror. Thanks to the perfectly symmetrical carvings the frame can be hung both vertically and horizontally. The carvings of this nice scale framed mirror are truly breathtaking and in very good condition, gilding remains in excellent condition too with only minor wear which do nothing but increase the charm of this beautiful high end antique mirror. Mirror plate is an old mercury glass although not believed to be original. This refined Italian mirror has a convenient size and would be a wonderful addition to any wall in any room, perhaps above a chest of drawers or a mantel (fireplace) bringing aura of pure Italian elegance.

Measures: H. 123, W. 92, D. 10 cm.