Andrew Nethercott Antiques has dated this Aranmula Kannadi Hand Mirror to the 19th Century.
An early example with restrained decoration to the frame.
The reflection given is soft, slightly murky and mystical.
If you are looking for a standard hand mirror reflection this is not for you.
The metal mirror is cracked, still a magical object.
Length 13,1/4" or 332mm, weight 666 grams
Aranmula kannadi, meaning the Aranmula mirror, is a handmade metal-alloy mirror, made in Aranmula, a small town in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India. They are produced by one extended family in Aranmula.
The exact metals used in the alloy are maintained as a Vishwakarma family secret. Metallurgists suggest that the alloy is a mix of copper and tin [Srinivasan 2008].
Unlike the normal "silvered" glass mirrors, it is a metal-alloy mirror or front surface reflection mirror, which eliminates secondary reflections and aberrations typical of back surface mirrors.
It is polished for several days to achieve the mirror's reflective surface.
In western culture a similar alloy was used for speculum mirrors, in occult circles thought to reveal otherwise invisible spirits and linked to witchcraft.
It was also used in early reflecting telescopes.
Andrew Nethercott Antiques has dated this Aranmula Kannadi Hand Mirror to the 19th Century.
Works of art, collectables, scientific and decorative antiques from the 17th - 20th century
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Andrew Nethercott Antiques Profile Page
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