19th Century Regency Convex Parcel-Ebonized Giltwood Mirror

A magnificent 19th-century Regency convex parcel-ebonized giltwood mirror of considerable dimensions, distinguished by both its refined proportions and period authenticity. The intricately carved frame is adorned with thirty-one decorative balls and finished in a traditional “parcel-ebonized” treatment—a black-stained wood applied around the mirror plate to emulate ebony while deliberately permitting the original wood grain to be visible, a subtle effect highly favored during the Regency era.

The convex, or “bullseye,” form was esteemed for its capacity to reflect more light in dimly lit rooms and to provide a wide-angle view, consequently earning the informal moniker “butler’s mirror” due to its ability to facilitate discreet observation of a dining room by household staff. The gilding has been sympathetically refreshed to enhance and preserve the mirror’s original character and overall visual presence, while preserving the patina and signs of age that contribute to its authenticity and allure.