White Shell Inlaid Antique Middle Eastern Damascene Syrian Mirror 66"

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Description

An exceptional large antique Levantine Damascene mirror, attributed to Lebanon and dating from the late 19th century, circa 1880. Measuring … Read more An exceptional large antique Levantine Damascene mirror, attributed to Lebanon and dating from the late 19th century, circa 1880. Measuring an impressive 66 inches high, this richly decorated mirror is handcrafted from walnut and extensively inlaid with luminous abalone shell, mother-of-pearl and carved bone, with fine pewter-colored wire outlining portions of the intricate decoration.

The mirror’s imposing architectural form is distinguished by a rectangular frame resting on two decorative feet and surmounted by an elaborate tapering crown. The upper crest is carved and pierced in openwork with interlaced vines, leaves and stylized floral motifs. Additional carved ornaments flank the upper frame, giving the mirror a sculptural, almost three-dimensional presence when viewed from the front or side.

The walnut frame is covered with individually cut pieces of abalone, mother-of-pearl and bone arranged in dense floral and geometric compositions. Abalone provides subtle iridescent flashes of green, blue, violet and silver, while the mother-of-pearl creates a softer white luminosity. Carved bone adds contrast and definition against the warm walnut structure. Fine metal or pewter-colored wire outlines many of the inlaid elements, emphasizing the precision of the design and the extraordinary amount of handwork involved.

The combination of carved walnut, reticulated openwork, mashrabiya-inspired lattice decoration and mosaic shell inlay is associated with the great Damascene and Levantine furniture-making traditions. Closely related examples are often described by collectors as Syrian Damascene mirrors, Lebanese inlaid mirrors, Egyptian Islamic Revival furniture or Turkish Ottoman furniture.

During the late 19th century, the artistic traditions of Syria and Lebanon developed within the broader cultural environment of the Ottoman Empire. Related geometric and arabesque motifs can also be found in Egyptian Islamic art, Ottoman Turkish interiors and the Hispano-Moresque designs of Andalusia and Islamic Spain. These comparisons provide important historical and decorative context; the mirror itself remains attributed to Syria.

The mirror’s repeating geometry, pierced crown and scrolling vegetal ornament also connect it aesthetically with Moorish and Andalusian decorative arts. It would therefore complement a Syrian, Lebanese, Egyptian, Turkish, Ottoman, Moorish, Mediterranean, Spanish Colonial, Islamic Revival or globally collected interior.
At 66 inches high, 34 inches wide and approximately 1.5 inches deep, this is a substantial statement mirror rather than a small decorative accessory. Its height makes it particularly suitable above an important chest or console, in an entry hall, formal living room, dressing room, library or large bathroom. It could also be displayed as a decorative architectural object where the carved crown and intricate inlay can be appreciated at eye level.

The combination of scale, age and materials makes this mirror especially uncommon. Antique Levantine furniture incorporating extensive abalone, mother-of-pearl, bone and metal-wire inlay required enormous time and technical skill to produce. The survival of the elaborate openwork crown and projecting side ornaments adds to its collecting interest and helps justify its higher value relative to simpler mother-of-pearl mirrors.

The mirror remains in good restored antique condition, with wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses, fading and localized structural wear are present. Some shell elements have been professionally replaced or restored, and one small decorative piece is missing near the top. The crown displays gentle age-related bowing or curvature. Please examine all photographs closely for a complete understanding of the restoration, minor losses and aged surface.

Category: Pier Mirrors and Console Mirrors, or Wall Mirrors
Style: Moorish
Place of origin: Lebanon
Period: Late 19th Century
Date: Circa 1880
Materials: Walnut, mirror glass, abalone, mother-of-pearl, bone, shell and metal wire
Techniques: Handcrafted, hand-carved, pierced openwork and mosaic inlay
Condition: Good restored antique condition; wear consistent with age and use; minor losses, fading and structural wear; some shell replaced; one small piece missing at the top See less