Decorative Antique, Late to Mid 19th Century Dieppe Carved Ivory and Bone Looking Glass, with carved Shield forms, crests are mounted with Lions flanking a heraldic cartouch and banner incised "Montioye S. Denys", it is a oval beveled mirror adorned by cherubs, shields and Lyre, it is with minor wear however in good condition, H:22" W:20". In reference to Dieppe, it is the port in the Northeastern France (north of Rouen), and the English Channel. Another term used to describe this workmanship of carving bone and ivory was during the Napoleonic Era or Prisioner of War works of art and carvings. The resilience and ultimate creativity of prisoners of war is nowhere better exemplified than in the amazing bone or ivory carvings such as examples in this mirror, probably made by French sailors captured by the British Navy during the Napoleonic Wars (1792-1815); some were captive for more than ten years, providing ample time to develop their skills in the production of prisoner of war artifacts. The Prisoners were encouraged to make boxes, mirrors and other objects in order to occupy their time in a productive manner and were allowed to sell those items to British townspeople at Friday prison markets. The money earned was often used to purchase personal articles, as well as small pieces of metal, nails, and wire that could be used by a talented craftsman to carve intricate designs on the bone pieces. Such as this example of symbols, shields and other intricate motifs. LifestyleAntiques.com is the web site where one can shop on line or if you are in the area we are an antique dealer in Summerland, California just 3 minutes south of Santa Barbara. Specializing in European Antique Furniture and our accent is antique lighting for your home, or office with handmade parchment shades adorning the selection of unique lamps. We specialize in Decorative Arts and French furniture as well as antique furniture from Spain and Italy, you will find the shop warm and inviting.

Decorative Interior
Antique Mirrors