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Description: |
When we use a mirror, we normally don’t
think about how this amazing item came into being. The first
mirrors were reflections, like in a clear, calm pool of
water. The Egyptians used polished bronze shaped into flat
discs, in representation of the Sun-God RA, dating as early
as 2900BC.
As centuries past, man began to create
somewhat clearer and more reflective glass mirrors using
silver-mercury amalgams. Examples of such have been found in
China dating as early as 500AD. But another thousand years
would pass before silvery-mercury amalgam processes became
more efficient, and less deadly, mercury being one of the
most toxic elements on planet Earth.
By the 18th century, glass mirrors were
the most prized possessions for an aristocratic lady’s
toilette. As noted by a 17th century Countess de Fiesque: “I
had a nasty piece of land that brought in nothing but wheat;
I sold it and in return I bought this beautiful mirror. Did
I not work wonders—some wheat for this beautiful mirror?
”The word mirror derives from the French word “mirour,”
from the Latin “mirari”, to admire. The Romans, however,
used the word “speculum,” from “specere”—to look, or
behold.
Here’s Looking at You! is a small,
decorative compact. Colored aluminum metal is used for the
front and colored, patterned, metal is used in the back of
the compact. A central cushion cut CZ is bezeled and
surrounded with set CZs for a striking focal point for the
lid. The mirror is inside and is simply bezeled. A beaded
hinge has set CZs on the ends and helps to control how far
back the lid will fold. A bezeled CZ along the front edge of
the lid is a faux closure. How lovely to use this beautiful
piece to check your makeup or put on some lipstick. Here’s
looking at you
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