Important 17th Century Charles II Silk Needlework / Stumpwork Mirror

Object Description

An important Charles II silk embroidered looking glass from the third quarter of the 17th century (1662-1675) England.

The impressive and rare looking glass is an excellent example of the finest 17th Century detailed silk embroidery. With period mercury mirror plate to the centre and surrounded by the original aged and patinated walnut break arch frame.

The decoration of this mirror celebrates the marriage union in May 1662, symbolised by the flanking of the mirror glass by King Charles II and Catherine of Braganza with the turreted castle above them at the top of the mirror, this would suggest a date of 1662-1675.

For a comparable shaped embroidered frame, with more elaborate raised work and more extensive use of metal-thread, see Victoria and Albert Museum Collection Accession Number 3511886.

Object Condition

Fair. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor fading. Condition report: Original. Overall fading to the dye fine silk thread, scattered losses and wear with fine surface abrasions consistent with age.

Object Details