A 17th Century William and Mary Olive Oyster Cushion Mirror, Circa 1690 England. 56cm x54cmFurther reading - Oystering or oyster veneer is a form of veneering, a type of parquetry. This technique requires thin slices of wood branches or roots cut in cross-section, usually from small branches of walnut, olive, kingwood and less commonly laburnum, yew and cocus. The resulting circular or oval pieces of veneer are laid side by side in furniture to produce various decorative patterns. Because the shape formed resembles an oyster shell the technique acquired the name of ''oyster veneering''. It is purported that the technique was first developed by English cabinet-makers in the 1660s, immediately after the Restoration of the monarchy, first being used on furniture such as the cocuswood cabinet on stand which bears the cypher of Queen Henrietta Maria (circa 1660) but I believe the technique most likely came from the Huguenot cabinet makers.Whether you are a collector or a...