A William and Mary walnut marquetry 'cushion' framed mirror late 17th century

the beveled rectangular mirror plate within a 'cushion' frame, inlaid with tulip, leaf and bird marquetry at the corners and sides, the pierced cresting centered by a perched bird among flowering foliage. Restorations.

Overall very good restored condition; cresting possibly associate although marquetry appears to be similar to that of mirror frame; numerous repairs to pierced cresting and now with a fabric backing, cresting warped and with age cracks and some veneer replacements throughout, inpainting; mirror frame with lifting to cross-cut molded borders and with some replacements; marquetry in good condition but with some replacements; mirror glass old but possibly associate; mirror glass with losses to silvering especially to upper left corner, oxidation and pitting, some crystallization to bottom; back board later.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The present mirror is similar to the work of Thomas Pistor, the furniture maker credited with making a group of floral marquetry furniture at Levens Hall, Westmoreland.  The present mirror is typical of mirrors made in the last quarter of the 17th century and have been called 'cushion' framed-mirrors, although this is not a contemporary term.  A similar earlier frame was commissioned by the Duke of Lauderdale for Ham House.  (See Adam Bowett, English Furniture, 1660-1714 From Chalres II to Queen Anne, Woodbridge: Antique Collectors' Club, 2002, pp. 136 – 137, plate. 4:59)  Thomas Pistor was a leading furniture maker in London during the second half of the 17th century. Amongst his clients was James Grahme, a courtier of significant stature in the Royal Household of James II. Known for his fashionable taste and well-appointed house, in 1685 Grahme purchased several pieces of furniture from Pistor, including `a Large wall flowr'd Looking glass & Table and stands flowr'd.'

Upon James II's ascension to the throne in the same year, Grahme maintained the office of the Keeper of the Privy Purse and also became Master of the Buckhounds. After the flight of the King in 1688, Grahme lost his positions, but remained a close friend of James II. In February of 1689, Grahme purchased Levens Hall, which became his principle residence in 1699.

The floral marquetry work of the present mirror shares enough stylistic affinities with the Levens table and looking glass and stand to be ascribed to the same hand. A table at Ham House offers an additional comparison and may also prove to have been done by Pistor.

See:

Adriana Turpin, `Thomas Pistor, Father and Son, and Levens Hall,' Furniture History Journal, vol. XXXVI, 2000, pp. 43-60, fig. 2.