You must have seen mirrors in your life, but how do you define it? Well, you can say that mirror is an object that has a reflective surface. Mirrors are usually used for personal grooming, architecture and decoration. They also serve a scientific purpose as people use them in cameras, lasers and telescopes. The concept of mirrors at first was people looking at their reflection in pools of stagnant water. Then, there came the Venetian mirrors; however, the history of Venetian mirrors is quite impressive and interesting as well.

Mirrors date back as far as the 15^th century and Venice was one of the first places to manufacture it. Glass making was a specialty of Venetian artisans dating back as far as the 13^th century. The quality, craftsmanship and devotion of the glass makers was so intense that they were moved to the Murano Island which was heavily guarded in order to safe keep the secrets of glass making. With time, the Venetian glass mirror makers became more and more successful and the state began guarding their assets.

The Venetian glass has always been famous for the artistry of the artisans but there are other contributing factors as well such as the work of the Italian Silica, the salty ocean water and the type of heat and flame used for firing. The local hardwoods of Murano were ideal for producing flame and created some fine glass pieces. Even though the Venetian’s guarded their techniques fiercely, however artisans form Germany and France penetrated the techniques and mastered the skills. Venetian mirrors were and remain to be a valuable asset and one of the priciest items a person could own.  

It is important to point out that it was near the end of 17^th century when mirrors along with their exquisite frames became an integral part of decoration in rooms. Mostly the frames would be of ebony, silver, ivory or even tortoise shell or were sometimes of olive, walnut or other such finishes. Some of the mirrors would be framed with beaded or needle work.   

By the end of the 18^th century, the painted mirrors with various floral designs and patterns replaced the carved Venetian mirrors. This was the time when circular mirrors were introduced with gold plated neo classical frames. There were great innovations such as the full-length mirrors with a frame with four feet. These were usually used for personal grooming and occasionally for decorative purposes.   

Venetian mirrors are rich in beauty and history and have always been regarded as the best mirrors in history. Venetian mirrors are available in numerous different styles and many are still available with the same old look of the 15^th century.