William and Mary Yew Wood Oyster Cushion Mirror c. 1690

A very rare and exceptionally beautiful William and Mary cushion mirror with yew wood oyster veneers. The crest with carved wavey outline with multiple oysters and beautifully selected figured yew flanking this.

The mirror plate is a hand made replacement in a very thick glass and appears to be c. 1850 with a lovely greyish hue, excellent deep reflection. Small natural faults and marks to the plate, as is usual with hand produced glass, tiny and not noticeable or affecting use.

The frame in excellent original condition, the oysters absolutely sing and present rich vibrant colours and each oyster is beautifully book matched around the frame. The crest with minor losses and nibbles to the very tips. The original back board and the back of the crest has been later supplemented with a secondary oak frame and panel cut to the shape of the crest to give it additional strength. This appears to be an early 20th century restoration/addition and is to the rear only, it is not visible once the mirror is hung - the visible frame is original.

A really good early oyster mirror in desirable and rarely seen English Yew wood - a remarkable piece of craftsmanship and dating from c. 1690