Do You Know About The History Of Mirrors?

The history of mirrors dates back to ancient civilizations, with the use of polished stones and other reflective materials to create rudimentary reflections. These early mirrors were primarily used for practical purposes, such as grooming and applying makeup.

The first true mirrors were made by the ancient Egyptians, who used a highly polished metal called obsidian to create reflective surfaces. The Romans also made mirrors using a process called deposition, in which a thin layer of metallic silver was applied to a glass surface to create a reflective coating. This method was time-consuming and expensive, so mirrors were considered luxury items that were only owned by the wealthy.

The handle of this mirror was originally made of wood (now restored) covered with gold foil. The woman’s face with cow’s ears represents the goddess Bat and is also an emblem of the goddess Hathor. The use of gold and silver, rather than wood and bronze, identifies this as the possession of a member of the elite, in this case one of three foreign wives of Thutmose III. The king’s cartouche is inscribed above the face.

‘ROMAN MIRROR’ The mirror is inscribed on the back with its weight and the owner’s name, Iris. The front is slightly convex and would have been highly polished in order to provide a good reflection. Although it is said to have been found in Egypt, this example finds close parallels from sites in the Vesuvius area and may have been made in Campania.

During the Middle Ages, mirrors were made using a process called mercury gilding, in which a layer of mercury was applied to a glass surface and then covered with a thin layer of gold. This method was highly toxic and resulted in many fatalities among mirror makers. Despite the dangers, mercury gilded mirrors remained popular due to their high quality and clarity.

Medieval English bronze mirror case complete and with working hinge. The glass is absent but otherwise excellent condition. This is a wonderful medieval bronze mirror case, dating to the 13th-14th century. Both faces are decorated with punched geometric design. The object is intact with the original working hinge, the inside glass is missing. This example is complete which is quite rare for these little mirrors. A good example with a nice patina.

In the 17th century, a new method for making mirrors was developed called the “silvered-glass” process. This process involved applying a thin layer of silver to the back of a piece of glass, creating a reflective surface. This method was much safer and more affordable than mercury gilding, and as a result, mirrors became more widely available to the general population.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, advances in technology led to the development of various types of mirrors, including concave mirrors, which are used in telescopes and other scientific instruments, and convex mirrors, which are used in automobiles for safety purposes.

Today, mirrors are an integral part of our daily lives and are used for a variety of purposes, from personal grooming to architecture and design. They are made using a variety of materials, including glass, plastic, and metal, and come in a range of shapes and sizes.

How are mirrors made today?

Modern Mirror

There are several methods used to make mirrors today, including the silvered-glass process, aluminum deposition, and vacuum deposition.

The silvered-glass process, also known as the silvering process, is the most common method used to make mirrors. It involves applying a thin layer of metallic silver, aluminum, or another highly reflective material to the back of a piece of glass. The glass is first cleaned and coated with a layer of tin or another metallic compound, and then a layer of silver, aluminum, or another reflective material is applied on top using a process called electroplating. The silvering process is relatively inexpensive and produces high-quality mirrors that are widely used in a variety of applications.

The aluminum deposition process is similar to the silvered-glass process, but it uses a layer of aluminum instead of silver to create the reflective coating. Aluminum deposition mirrors are more durable and resistant to tarnishing than silver mirrors, but they are also more expensive to produce.

Vacuum deposition is another method used to make mirrors, particularly high-precision mirrors used in scientific instruments and other specialized applications. In this process, a thin layer of reflective material is applied to the surface of the mirror using a vacuum chamber. This method produces very high-quality mirrors with excellent reflectivity, but it is also more expensive and time-consuming than the other methods.

In addition to these methods, mirrors can also be made using other materials, such as plastic, which can be molded into various shapes and sizes. Plastic mirrors are less reflective and less durable than glass mirrors, but they are also cheaper and lighter in weight, making them a popular choice for some applications.

In conclusion, the history of mirrors is a long and fascinating one that has evolved over thousands of years. From their humble beginnings as polished stones to the high-tech mirrors of today, mirrors have played a vital role in the development of human civilization.