Tin Mirror

Mirrors in late 19th century Russia were hard to come by and very expensive, so they were always treated with care. Large mirrors would be hung high off the ground for protection, and then tilted forward so the owners could still see into it. Less wealthy people usually owned smaller mirrors because that was all they could afford.

This piece is made from molded tin on a wooden base, and then paint is applied before being baked. The design is a product of the Art Nouveau style of the time, with flowing florals and vines combined with geometric shapes.