Colonial Mirrors

31 items

A synthesis of Baroque Europe and indigenous America, these colonial mirrors are one-of-a-kind pieces in a unique genre.

The Village Council

Your answers straight from the village experts

+ - How do I care for my handcrafted mirror?

Different types of mirrors require different cleaning techniques. Gilded mirrors, for example especially vintage pieces may oxidize with the use of cleaning products or water, so it is best to simply and lightly dust their frame with a clean, soft cloth or brush. Most other styles have a frame that can be cleaned with a paper towel or soft, damp cloth. Glass and mirror cleaner is okay for the mirror itself, but we recommend spraying it onto the cloth first and not directly onto the mirror, as dripping chemicals stuck in the frame may cause damage over time. Be sure to dry the mirror when you are finished cleaning by wiping away any leftover moisture or cleaners.A well-ventilated area assists in keeping the mirror dry, and we recommend hanging your mirror in an area where it can be admired without the risk of nicks, wall leaks, or other issues.

+ - Would any of your wall mirrors work as bathroom mirrors?

Absolutely! Depending on the styles that suit your design needs, our mirrors are versatile, fun, and can be placed in a variety of spaces. You might even want two mirrors on perpendicular walls for greater perspective. Handcrafted mirrors show a natural diversity and uniqueness, so there is truly something for everyone.

+ - How do I know if my mirror is handmade?

There are a few simple ways to tell if your mirror is handmade. If you look closely, youll notice unique lines, markings, or painted stylized details that indicate that it is a one-of-a-kind piece. Mirrors made of wood typically display distinctive and intricate engraving, while painted mirrors often reveal unique brushstrokes, colors, and designs. Shapes and sizes of a particular motif may vary slightly, as no two handcrafted mirrors are exactly identical. This makes them all the more special.

+ - Are any of your hand mirrors eco-friendly?

Yes! At Novica, were passionate about protecting our planet, and we understand the importance of eco-friendly items. Andean artisan Luciana Sandovol prides herself on recycling discarded materials like cardboard, natural dyes, paper, and paints to use for her papier mache creations. Central America has also started introducing recycled natural fibers into their mirror-crafting. India utilizes mango wood, a fast-growing, dense, eco-friendly wood that is native to Southeast Asia, and harvested only after its fertile, fruit-bearing years.

+ - What are some kinds of handcrafted mirrors from different regions of the world?

A classic Mexican folk art is embossed tin, and this is often employed in mirror frames. In Thailand, the lavish lai rot nam technique ornate gilded motifs on smooth black lacquer has been used for more than 400 years. Balinese woodcarvers use their legendary skills to handcraft mirrors whose frames often depict the island's exuberant flora and fauna.The technique of reverse-painted glass is believed to have originated around 4 AD in Egypt, and arrived in Italy by the 13th century. In the 16th century, Italian and Spanish artisans were migrating to Peru, bringing the technique with them. Motifs are painted by hand on the reverse side of glass panes. These are inlaid into a wooden frame, achieving a wonderful clarity of colors.In addition, beautiful Peruvian baroque wall mirrors are handcrafted in the Andes. They are carved by hand and covered with aluminum or bronze leaf before they receive an aged patina. See how theyre made here: https://bit.ly/3r3DxTp

+ - What materials are popular for handcrafted mirrors?

As with most handicrafts, the materials at hand are the ones most often used. Woods of all kinds with sleek surfaces to show off the grain, or carved by hand, or embellished with applications. Glass panes, gilt, natural fibers or fabrics are also perfect for mirrors, as are tooled leather or metal repousse, ceramic tiles, stone, resin or papier mache. Artisans the world over discover unique materials to craft innovative and attractive mirrors.

+ - What kinds of mirrors can be handcrafted?

Wall mirrors and hand mirrors are perfect for artisans, as are tabletop mirrors. In fact, any mirror with a frame invites an infinity of creative designs and techniques.

Featured Reviews

Silver gilded wood wall mirror, 'Colonial Trance'

ELIZABETH

Aug 26, 2020

Amazing MIrror

Beautiful! It was packaged very well for the long trip from Peru and is just a beautiful as the picture.

Entryway Mirror

Turquoise Blue Wall Decor

Silver Tone Wall Decor

Wood Wall Decor

Colonial Wall Decor

Wall Decor

Reverse painted glass mirror, 'Red Colonial Wreath'

Lee

Feb 23, 2018

Beautiful mirror!

The mirror I ordered is exquisite , and something I will cherish. I love the vibrant colors and antiqued effect !

Reverse Painted Glass Wall Decor

Floral Wall Decor

Colonial Wall Decor

Mirrors

Reverse-painted glass wall mirror, 'Floral White'

Catherine

Apr 21, 2021

Exquisite

My Peruvian grandmother had a mirror very similar to this hanging in her entryway for decades. This is such a beautiful piece of craftsmanship that makes my home feel a bit more "homey" and the colors are gorgeous. Shipping was quick and the piece was carefully wrapped to ensure no damage. I'm so glad that I was able to find this instead of having to track down a similar mirror on a trip to Peru!

Traditional Wall Decor

Colonial Wall Decor

Reverse Painted Glass Wall Decor

Hand Painted Wall Decor

Floral Wall Decor

Mirrors

Featured Artist

Gliseria Soto Reverse-painted glass and hand-carved wall mirrors

(47)

"My husband and I were blessed eight beautiful children. They are my reason for being, my motivation to go on."

"Ever since I was a girl, I had to work hard to help my family. I always enjoyed drawing even though fate took me down a different path. While... read more

More useful facts

Colonial Mirrors

Veronica Ossio doesn’t take all the credit for her works. When she looks at one of her mirrors, made of Peruvian alabaster, she admires the details of nature’s stonework and its direct record of regional history. A colonial mirror from her not only captures the character of the time, but incorporates authentic relics from the period. In part of his effort to preserve Peruvian tradition, Edmundo Contreras makes colonial mirrors of this style, recognizing the fusion as a part of Peru’s history. He also uses techniques passed down and creates his hand painted mirrors by reverse painting. Those in the Nahuala Artisan Cooperative fashion colonial mirrors to improve their living conditions and maintain pride in their countries and themselves.