Since almost the beginning of humankind, mirrors have been used for many different purposes. The word mirror comes from the French “mirour” and Latin “mirari” which means to admire. From personal reflection and grooming to religion and art, mirrors have gone through a major journey to create a complex history. This blog will explore multiple parts of the mirror creation journey and how it became what it is today.
Obsidian Mirrors
The first mirrors were made of polished obsidian. Obsidian is a naturally polished volcanic glass that was used for personal grooming but was also used in ceremonial practices. These mirrors date back to around 6000 BC before copper and metal mirrors started to make their way into the hands of ancient civilizations.
Obsidian mirrors were found in Anatolia in 6000 BCE, copper mirrors were crafted in Mesopotamia around 4000 BCE, and polished stone mirrors from the Americas date around 2000 BCE and beyond.
Polished Metal
China and India started polishing bronze around 2000 BC to create bigger mirror options. Some believed they held magical properties and were used to repel evil spirits. As mirror history continued develop, different materials were tested to improve accessibility.
The Greeks and Romans later polished copper and silver to show reflections. Later, the Romans experimented with glass-coated mirrors, but they found they were not as durable as the metal mirrors that were already developed.
Moving Into Glass Mirrors
Glass mirrors didn’t make their way into frequent use until the early 14th century in Italy. Glass makers used glass blowing to create clear glass and then coated one side of this with reflective metal to create glass mirrors. Venetian mirrors were often seen as luxury items and were sought after by the elite in European countries.
Early glass mirrors were made by blowing a glass bubble and then cutting it to make a convex or concave shape. Imperfections were common and led to distorted images. High cost, poor quality, and small size made mirrors uncommon until the late nineteenth century.
During the Industrial Revolution, mirrors were now being coated with a thin layer of metallic silver to make them more durable. When mass production techniques were introduced to businesses, this made mirrors much more accessible to the average consumer.
The Symbolism Of Mirrors
Throughout different times in history, mirrors have been used for more than just reflection. Some things that mirrors have stood for are truth, mystery, self-reflection, self-awareness, vanity, beauty, etc. Ancient myths, stories, modern literature, and movies have all depicted mirrors in different ways.
Different types and sizes of mirrors can represent different things or make us appear differently. Depending on the type of mirror, the glass can show different angles or colors because of reflective light. As glass manufacturing and mirrors became more popular, the meanings behind them also evolved.
Modern Developments
Today, mirrors are manufactured with more advanced technology to ensure high quality and clarity. Mirrors are now made with a thin layer of aluminum or silver on the back of the glass and with a protective coating to help limit oxidation.
Mirrors have found their way into multiple industries throughout history, which helped to improve building and research. Mirrors are used in astronomy, medicine, technology, automotive, construction, fashion, and more. Just like other inventions and technology, the options for mirrors are endless. They are still pushing the boundaries of innovation in today’s modern world.
When it comes to interior design, mirrors can help improve the design. Mirrors can be practical as well as decorative when placed in a home. Since mirrors are reflective, they can help make a room feel larger and brighter. Because of developments in glass, mirrors can be tinted and are more resistant to shattering which makes them more worth the investment.
Mirrors And Glass Projects From Moyes Glass
Moyes Glass offers windows, mirrors, doors, sliding glass walls, shower doors, and more. Our team manufactures all of our products in-house to ensure the highest quality possible. Our team wants to help you improve the functionality and aesthetics of your home with quality glass products.
For more than 55 years, we have been providing home products to communities in Northern Utah. Our business has grown over the years to offer more durable options and color variations. Not only do we sell new products, but we also offer replacement glass and offer support long after we install windows on your home. If you are looking for a glass installer that puts customers first, reach out to Moyes Glass.