Decorative mirror

This decorative wall mirror, produced in Sweden during the 1950s, is a finely crafted example of Scandinavian woodworking in the tradition of Carl Malmsten. The mirror features a gently rounded, square frame that has been richly inlaid with a botanical intarsia motif. The frame itself is composed of contrasting woods including rosewood, mahogany, and pear, selected for their tonal and grain variation to emphasize the intricacy of the marquetry.

The inlaid decoration presents a stylized floral and wheat sheaf pattern, symmetrically distributed across the perimeter of the frame. The precision of the intarsia work suggests the influence of traditional cabinetmaking techniques, a hallmark of the Swedish craft revival that Carl Malmsten championed. Though not attributed to Malmsten directly, the mirror strongly reflects his aesthetic values: natural materials, soft organic forms, and detailed artisanal execution.

The surface of the wood is finely finished, showing minimal wear and maintaining a warm, rich patina. The mirrored glass is flush-set and in excellent condition, with no visible silvering loss or distortion. The backside is constructed with a flat support panel and hanging hardware, indicating it was designed for vertical wall mounting, though the scale also allows for placement above small furniture elements such as a chest or console.

The overall dimensions are 30.5 cm (12 inches) in width, 4.5 cm (1.77 inches) in depth, and 35.5 cm (13.98 inches) in height. This compact format, along with the curved profile of the frame, makes it suitable for use in intimate interior settings such as a hallway, dressing area, or bedroom.