A giltwood framed beadwork mirror late 17th/early 18th century

the rectangular bevelled plate within a border of fruiting vines and flowers around a central stem, worked with applied polychrome beads, on a beadwork taupe coloured ground, the frame carved with entwined foliage to the inner border and acanthus leaves to the outer frame, the mirror plate probably replaced during the 19th century

Lanto Synge, Art of Embroidery, History of Style and Technique, The Royal School of Needlework, London, 2001, Chp. 5, The seventeenth century, pp.110-159, Embroidered pictures, pp.130-143, for similar iconography and reference to beadwork pieces, including a panel portraying a couple at a fountain and a very unusual and rare wire basket with heavily applied beadwork panel base, the wirework surround applied with flowering plants.

In country house condition. Minor losses to beadwork which has torn along the lines of construction to the back frame, see dark vertical lines top and lower corners in photograph. Some beadwork missing to the leaves in areas, see for example the top edge, where the board underneath is visible as the tan colour. Areas of loss of beads particularly down the left decorated side. Some wear and minor chips to gilding. The pine backboard loose and split in two. For further information on this Lot, please contact the English Furniture Department on 00 44 (0) 207 293-5470.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."