Marquetry mirror, Languedoc work, 17th century

Louis XIII ''inverted profile'' mirror in plum and lime tree marquetry, 17th century.
It offers a superb inlaid decoration on the frame, mixing flowers and foliage scrolls, made with the technique of ''burnt wood (or shading) with hot sand''.

Dimensions
H. 58.5 x W. 54 cm

Languedoc work
mercury mirror
Plum and Lime marquetry
17th century

Hot sand shading is the process of partially browning a piece of veneer to achieve effects and give relief to the design. This is done by "dipping" the veneer pieces in fine sand heated to around 300°.
By "burning" the wood, the sand gives it a more or less intense brown tint. This seemingly simple technique is actually quite subtle. To obtain the desired shades, you have to learn to play with the sand, very hot in depth, a little less on the surface, and with the heating times.