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Through the Looking Glass: The Magic of Mirrors

Can any decorative element match the impact of a mirror? They make small rooms feel larger, and large rooms feel warmer. They elevate any interior by reflecting its light, artwork, and of course, fetching inhabitants. Mirrors have always been PAGODA RED must-haves — whether they feature symbolic carvings, time-worn details or graceful shapes, we’re most drawn to those with interesting tales to tell. Here we gather the fairest of them all, and explain how each can do more than just hang about.

Contemporary Art

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Cracked Ice Mirror

Our favorite present-day pieces are strongly rooted in the past. The many facets of our Cracked Ice Mirror give it the sparkle and movement of a finely cut gem — but the design takes its inspiration from an ancient Chinese pattern called ice-ray. The historic design, which still graces windows, garden gates and more across China, aims to capture the natural beauty of ice crystals forming atop quiet waters. A piece like this has all the presence and personality of a modern abstract painting — which is how we’d position it in within a room. Treated as one would an important work of art, a mirror of this caliber could both anchor and enliven a space.

Architectural Interest

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Set of Seven Mirrored Courtyard Panels

Now and then, we discover spectacular groups of decorative doors in our travels, and we love helping our clientele find ways to use them creatively. For example, this set of Cantonese, 19th century courtyard panels could become an elegant accent wall within a formal dining room. The delicate fretwork of the doors are backed by mirrors, which add dimension and draw the eye toward the intricately carved details. We can’t help but imagine how incredible the panels (not to mention dinner guests) might look by candlelight.

Age Honored

Asian Ridge Framed Mirror

Asian Ridge Framed Mirror

There’s something deeply romantic about a patina-rich mirror that bears the marks of time. Take our Asian Ridge Framed Mirror. The piece hails from 1900, and includes the original hand-silvered glass. Refined details like the hand-lacquered frame add further allure. These are the pieces that lend a collected, soulful air to any space — even brand new builds — and give the impression of a life well lived.   

Master Storyteller

Reflective Opium Tray

Learning the provenance of a beautiful item is always interesting. But the history of this reflective tray, designed to corral the ornate accoutrements of opium smoking, is unusually captivating. Its ethereal beauty is undoubtedly heightened by its storied past. Dating from the mid 19th century (when Chinese opium use was at its peak) the mirror has softened magnificently over time. Such a singular piece could be hung on any wall that might benefit from the warm glow of hand-silvering, or lain flat (atop a table or ottoman) as a luminous stage for displaying objets d’art—not to mention, sparking endless conversation.  

Stand Alone

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Rosewood Table Screen

Portable screens have long been staples in Chinese households. From large versions used to reconfigure entire rooms, to small, table-top screens designed to shield scholars from work disruption, these architectural chameleons hew to the form-follows-function edict. This mirrored example is made of carved rosewood, and ornamented with fruits and flowers — meant to convey luck and prosperity to the viewer. We’d put it through its practical and decorative paces — using it to block drafts, glares or distracting views, or to create intimate “moments” within large expanses of space.

For more, browse our ever-evolving collection of antique and contemporary mirrors.

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