18th Century Chippendale-period Sycamore Rococo Fretwork and Gilt Small Mirror, Circa 1760–1780 (Georgian, George III)

18th Century Chippendale-Period Rococo Mirror, Veneered in Sycamore (or Other Pale Fruitwood), Circa 1760–1780 A fine mid-18th century Chippendale-period wall mirror, veneered throughout in sycamore (or another closely related pale fruitwood). The timber displays the characteristic fine, closed grain and warm honeyed oxidisation associated with long-settled 18th-century sycamore. The elegant rococo outline follows designs published in Thomas Chippendale’s The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s Director (1750s–60s), with pierced cresting centred by a circular cartouche, flanking scrolls, and a shaped apron. The proportions and construction compare closely with provincial examples illustrated by Christopher Gilbert in The Life and Work of Thomas Chippendale (1978), particularly those showing similar veneered surrounds and gilt slips. The original 18th-century mercury-backed mirror plate is retained, showing gentle waviness and light, attractive speckling. The gilt inner slip is formed over gesso and bole, with naturally worn high points. The veneers show small historic repairs, age-related shrinkage, and surface undulations typical of period construction in thin maple or sycamore veneer laid over shaped timber groundwork. A scarce small-format rococo mirror of refined outline, uncommon timber choice, and considerable decorative appeal.