An incredibly rare example of an English 17th century ripple-moulded looking glass circa 1630-1680.

Most commonly produced from woods such as ebony and cocus, the ripple mould was believed to give life and movement under candlelight and was made by running the timbers through a so-called ‘Waving Engine’.

Evidence suggests that ripple moulding was still being produced by the likes of Edward Traherne in the 1670’s, however it was gradually superseded by the cushion frame.

Several highly respected individuals in the world of antiques have looked at the glass plate in this example and are confident that it is period to the frame. Elements such as the colouring of the mercury foil, the rough cut edges and the extremely subtle bevel all support this argument.

The glass, if indeed original, may well have come from the glassworks in Vauxhall, London, established by George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham, in 1673.