Folding mirror

Silver mirror composed of two circular parts, one forming the lid and the other the reflecting surface, joined by a hinge. The lid, decorated on both sides, consists of two sheets welded together. The external decoration is in relief, partly chiselled, with the addition of gold worked while the metal was hot. It shows a half-naked female figure, probably a Muse or Aphrodite, seated on a rock near a stele embellished with a diagonal band with plant motifs. Below the figure is a small round handle for opening the mirror. The girl is shown in three-quarters view and holds a theatrical mask in her left hand. Around her are three Erotes, only one of whom, playing a fifteen-reed syrinx, is preserved in its entirety. A second Eros, in the upper part of the field, is perhaps identifiable as a double flute player, shown in the act of striking time with his raised left foot. Of the third Eros, behind the female figure, only the head remains. The space between the figures is filled with engraved flowers and leaves. The inside of the lid is decorated with three concentric bands of gilded geometric and plant motifs, while the centre is occupied by an eight-petalled rosette. The external side of the reflecting surface has a simple motif of concentric circles.