A Large William and Mary Kingwood Seaweed Marquetry Cushion Mirror, Circa 1690

A Large William and Mary Kingwood Seaweed Marquetry Cushion Mirror, Circa 1690

A Highly Important and Rare Large William & Mary Period Kingwood Oyster and Seaweed Marquetry Mirror.

Firmly Attributed to the Royal Cabinet Maker Gerrit Jensen, Circa 1685–1695

A particularly fine and large example of fine late 17th century seaweed marquetry. This mirror represents the very height of craftsmanship associated with the court workshop of Gerrit Jensen, cabinet maker to William III and Queen Mary.

The broad, cushion-moulded frame is veneered in rich oysters of kingwood, arranged in a series of panels of exceptional colour. Set with finely executed reserves of extremely fine scrolling seaweed marquetry, entirely the characteristic of the finest work produced by Jensen.

The inner border is framed with a continuous band of stylised foliage. The original looking glass is particularly attractive with soft bevelled edge and displaying the gentle foxing to the original surface.

The scale of the mirror is noteworthy. Gerrit Jensen (c.1634–1715) was one of the most important cabinet makers working in England in the late 17th century. Of Dutch origin, he established himself in London and rose to prominence as cabinet maker to William III and Queen Mary. His work is closely associated with the introduction and refinement of continental marquetry techniques in England, particularly the use of oyster veneers and highly sophisticated floral and seaweed marquetry.

Jensen supplied furniture to the royal palaces and to some of the most influential patrons of the period, helping to define the luxurious and cosmopolitan taste of the William & Mary court. Surviving documented pieces and those firmly attributed to his workshop are held in major collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Royal Collection, and are regarded as benchmarks for quality and design in late 17th century English furniture.