LOT 0098

Greek Bronze Folding Travelling Mirror

HELLENISTIC, 2ND CENTURY B.C.

5 in. (305 grams, 12.8 cm).

Discoid mirror with recess to obverse and reverse, each with a looped handle attached to two domed lugs, concentric rings and stepped rim; hinge to lower edge, recessed inner face to one disc and raised equivalent to the other with silvered finish.

Acquired on the German art market, 1989-1995.
with The Museum Gallery, 19 Bury Place, London, WC1A 2JB, 1998-2003.
Property of a London based academic, 2003-present.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate no.12061-217502.

Cf. Richter, G.M.A., The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Greek, Etruscan and Roman Bronzes, New York, 1915, nos.784, 787, 789, for similar.

These kind of mirrors consisted of heavy circular discs with low cylindrical rims. They were made in pairs, and polished (and sometimes silvered) respectively on the recessed and flat sides, the latter being provided with a bevelled edge, into which the other fitted like a cover. Both polished surfaces were thus protected. The unpolished sides were ornamented with concentric-circle ornaments and concentric mouldings.