Mirror, Mirror On The Wall
Select mirrors from the collection of Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad (1600-1950 A.D).
What is a mirror?
A mirror also called a looking glass, is an object that reflects an image. Light that bounces off a mirror forms an image of whatever is in front of it, which is then focused through the lens of the eye or a camera. This allows the viewer to see themselves or objects behind them.
Ancient mirrors
Early mirrors date back to 6000 BC, with polished obsidian (volcanic glass) mirrors found in Anatolia. Mesopotamian artisans crafted mirrors from polished copper around 4000 BC, followed by Egypt and Central America.
Evolution of mirrors
From prehistoric water surfaces to stone, metal and glass, mirrors have evolved over time. During Bronze Age, 3300–1200 BC, metal discs made of bronze, silver and speculum metal, a highly reflective copper-tin alloy was used. This bronze mirror dates back to the 5th century B.C.
Showcased is a Roman mirror, dated to the 1st century. Around this time glass was incorporated into mirror manufacturing. Early Roman mirrors used lead or gold leaf to back the glass, which provided a smooth, protective layer.
Mirror Frame (1400-1410 (Renaissance)) by Embriachi familyThe Walters Art Museum
Rennaisance innovation
The Renaissance, especially in Venice, marked a turning point in mirror production. Venetian glassmakers mastered the cylinder method for flat glass and introduced lead glass, significantly improving clarity.
Modern mirrors
Modern mirrors use highly reflective metals like silver or aluminum. These metals are applied as a thin coating to glass, which provides a naturally smooth and hard surface.
Chandeliers at Dewan DeodiSalar Jung Museum
Salar Jung Museum's mirror collection
The Salar Jung Museum houses mirrors from around the world, including those with jade backs and gilt frames. Paintings and lamps also feature mirrors. Here is the Ainakhana, or 'Hall of Mirrors,' from the museum's original location at Dewan Deodi, Hyderabad.
This 17th-century Indian mirror features a jade frame inlaid with white jade and colourful stones, showcasing intricate pierced work and gilded accents.
Banaganapalli settee (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
Banaganapally settee with mirror
A wooden settee dated to the 19th century from Banaganapally in Kurnool, South India with the Salar Jung (SJ) monogram on top. It has a high back with a rectangular mirror.
Sconce/Wall Lamp (1900/1999)Salar Jung Museum
Bohemian lamp and mirror
A sconce or popularly known as wall light is an oil lamp from Bohemia, dated to the 20th century. It is attached to a mirror by a bracket. Its glass shades and containers are pink in color. Using brackets, the candle or gas flame would be kept at safe distance from the mirror.
Mirror frame (1900/1950)Salar Jung Museum
Inlaid mirror frame
This 20th-century mirror from India features a wooden frame with delicate ivory inlay. Symmetrically placed peacocks adorn the top, adding balance and visual interest to the floral design.
Mirror with frame (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
Italian mirror
This octagonal mirror from 19th-century Italy is encased in wood and decorated with rope-designed glass strips. The mosaic work features floral bunches in eight panels.
This grape-colored, oval hand mirror-frame features crenellated edges and incised floral patterns. The frame's design showcases a blend of functional art and decorative craftsmanship from 17th century India.
Mirror on a box (1900/1950)Salar Jung Museum
Dinner-wagon mirror
This 20th-century English box, shaped like a dinner wagon, features a coffee and tea set for two and a mirror frame. The white and gold paint adds to its decorative appeal.
Wall bracket lamp with mirror (1800/1899) by Wright and Butler, Birmingham, U.K.Salar Jung Museum
Wright and Butler lamp
This 19th-century wall lamp features two kerosene lamps with red shades and an oval mirror. It was made by Wright and Butler of Birmingham.
Mirror with frame (1900/1950)Salar Jung Museum
Mirror with inlaid frame
This 20th-century mirror from India features a stand with mother of pearl inlaid. Its intricate design reflects the craftsmanship of the period.
Wall mirror (1800/1950)Salar Jung Museum
European wall mirror
This full-size European wall mirror features a gilt wood border adorned with 44 painted tiles. The tiles depict delicate flower branches and birds, showcasing the artistic style of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Mirror with wooden gilt frame (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
Gilt wooden frame mirror
A French 19th century mirror fitted in a gilt wooden frame with scrolled decorations on four sides, scrolled crest on top.
Mirror in frame (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
Mirror in rococo frame
This 19th-century German mirror features a rococo porcelain frame. It's adorned with flowers, leaves, and cupids in high relief, showcasing the decorative style of the era.
This 19th-century Persian mirror stand features a round mirror with a cover. The black and white painting on the cover depicts Afrasiyab, a mythical king, with attendants.
Wooden mirror frame (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
Burmese mirror frame
This 19th-century Burmese mirror frame is crafted from carved wood, adorned with mythological figures.
Wall bracket (1900/1950)Salar Jung Museum
Wall bracket
This 20th-century English wall bracket features a seated lady on a pedestal, holding a mirror. The figure adds a touch of elegance and classical inspiration to the functional piece.
A 17th century indian green colour rectangular mirror jade frame, the back inlaid in gold and encrusted with two red coloured stones.
Mirrors on screen (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
Gilded screen with mirrors
This 19th-century French folding screen features three partitions, each adorned with a round mirror. The mirrors are decorated with garlands, while the tapestry showcases floral designs.
This 20th-century English wooden rack features two shelves and a mirror fitted on top, offering a practical and stylish storage solution.
Mirror with frame (1900/1950)Salar Jung Museum
Mirror with floral frame
This 20th-century Indian mirror features a rectangular wooden frame with ivory inlay in floral designs. The five-sided base also has ivory work, including a circular floral design.
Dinner wagon (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
Carved dinner wagon
This 19th-century Indian dinner wagon features detailed carvings. It stands alone without a mirror, showcasing the artistry of its wooden construction.
Text and Curation: Soma Ghosh
Photography: M. Krishnamurthy and Bahadur Ali
Research Assistance: Dinesh Singh and E. Rajesh
Special thanks to : Ms. Priyanka Mary Francis, IAS, Director, Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad, India.
Dr. B. Naik, Curator, Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad, India.
References -
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirror(accessed 23.04.2026)
2. https://www.furniturelibrary.com/mirror-glass-darkly/ (accessed 12.05.2026)
3. https://www.cabinetmagazine.org/issues/14/mcelheny.php(accessed 12.05.2026)
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