Mirrors have been used for thousands of years, originally made from polished stones or metals like bronze and copper. Early mirrors were convex or concave plates before flat mirrors emerged in the 15th century BCE made of polished stone. Through history, mirrors evolved in their materials from stone to metal to glass, and their frames became more ornate, ranging from simple wood to carved designs featuring flowers or classical motifs. Major developments included the introduction of mercury to create clearer glass mirrors in the 19th century and later the use of aluminium.

1. EVOLUTION OF MIRRORS
HISTORY OF DESIGN
• Snikitha Gamini​
• B.Des(hons).Interior Designing​
• Sem:1st
Mentors
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gomathi Gowda
• Asst. Prof. Aswini Kalyani

2. https://www.wallswithstories.com/wp-content
http://www.mirrorhistory.com/images/mirrorhistory/mirror-16-
small.jpg
 Before mirrors people used lakes or water
collected in vessel.
 Egyptians used concave metal plate before.
 The first man-made mirrors were made in
15th century BCE of polished stone such as black
volcanic glass.
How Mirrors Were Introduced

3. https://a.1stdibscdn.com/archivesE/upload/f_15702/
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 India and china manufactured bronze
mirrors from around 2000BC.
 Mesopotamians crafted mirrors of
polished copper used from 3000BC to
4000BC.
 Polished stone such as naturally
occurring volcanic glass obsidian is used
as mirror around 6000BC.
 In 16th century became a part of
mysterious rituals and witchcraft.
 For 200 years, used by Spanish for
coding and decoding secret messages.

4. https://www.kd-art.be/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/171003
https://images.app.goo.gl/XDBvq2TttEKmXFjQ6
 Different shapes.
 Predominantly ‘simple’ in form.
Mirrors During 17th century
 Made of ivory, silver, ebony, or tortoiseshell

5. https://www.sellingantiques.co.uk/photosnew/dealer_windsor/dea
ler_windsor_highres_1554303599727-5624664441.jpg
Mirrors During 18th Century
 Frames were decorated with floral patterns
or classical ornaments.
 Extremely expensive.
 Large variety.
https://www.brightsofnettlebed.co.uk/imagery18th-
century-military-style-water-gilded
 Some mirrors are boldly carved with
acanthus leaves.
 Substantial ornaments attached to
some mirrors.

6. https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2
https://images.app.goo.gl/hZb2TJooxDYJWtBF9
 Fine carvings.
 Light frame.
 High quality.
 Naturalistic in form.
Chippendale Style Mirrors

7. Mirrors During 19th Century
https://i.pinimg.com/474x/a3/00/3e/a3003eae
 Safer method of mirror-making was
invented.
 Use of aluminium in mirrors.
 Silver nitrate to replace the highly
toxic mercury.
 Lighter.
 Cheaper.
 Not poisonous.

8. https://www.westlandlondon.com/antiques/decorativeitems/mirrors/view/10138.asp
Victorian Mirrors
 Made during the reign of Queen Victoria ,
19th century.
 Grand or elaborate.
 Most heavily carved.
 Bold decoration.
 Often opted for woods such as mahogany or
rosewood.

9. Bibliography
Book:
Michael Huntly, History of furniture, Paul Richards,1988.
Websites:
https://www.westlandlondon.com/articles/view,the-history-of-the-mirror-and-its-evolving-style-through-the-ages_58.asp
http://www.mirrorhistory.com/mirror-history/first-mirrors/

10. Conclusion
 Mirrors have a long and interesting history that stretches across the world and dates back centuries.
 Inspired from Chippendale style of mirrors.
THANK YOU