IMPORTANT PAIR OF ABALONE MIRRORS BY BISHARA ZUGHBI & SONS.

IMPORTANT PAIR OF ABALONE MIRRORS BY BISHARA ZUGHBI & SONS. Late 19th, early 20th century, the workshop of Bishara Zughbi & Sons, Bethlehem, Israel. Each of identical construction and form, but with differing detail elements within each mirror frame. The first, an oval mirror plate within a conforming pierced surround embellished with flowers set on scrolling vinery within spandrels comprised of pierced floral rosettes within multiple borders of contrasting abalone inlays alternating with carved scrolling vinery and rows of simulated marble. The whole recessed within the outer frame comprised of a mirror plate border in the Venetian taste flanked by diamond shaped abalone inlays within a border of simulated marble panels, the innermost engraved “HAND-WORK OF BISHARA ZUGHBI & SONS/BETHLEHEM”, the outermost border set with various rosettes and paterae, all pierce carved as varying flower heads. Each corner mounted with arabesque form ears, the abalone surfaces carved with scrolling leaf tips applied with pierced floral rosettes. Each side mounted with a conforming arabesque giving the impression of a stepped outer frame. The second, an oval mirror plate within a conforming pierced surround embellished with flowers set on scrolling vinery within spandrels comprised of pierced floral rosettes within multiple borders of contrasting abalone inlays alternating with carved scrolling vinery and rows of simulated marble. The pierced section between contrasting abalone inlays carved with acanthus leaves. This example has three fewer borders than the first example. The whole recessed within the outer frame comprised of a mirror plate border in the Venetian taste, within this mirror plate is a border of abalone simulating marble flanked by string inlays of contrasting abalone. The mirror plate further bordered with abalone simulating marble overlaid with various floral rosettes and patera, all pierce carved. Each corner mounted with arabesque form ears, the abalone surfaces carved with scrolling leaf tips applied with pierced floral rosettes. Each side mounted with a conforming arabesque giving the impression of a stepped outer frame. Unsigned, but undoubtedly made by the same hand. SIZE: Overall: 35-1/2″ h x 31″ w. PROVENANCE: Back of first labeled on reverse: “Very fine M.O.P. veneered mirror, made by Bishara Zughbi & Sons in Bethlehem C. 1900. Given to Polly Bergen as a gift while she served as a good will Ambaddador (sic) to Isreal (sic).” CONDITION: Very good overall with good color and patina. Minimal and minor losses to abalone, greatest of which is a 2″ long foliate section of abalone in the outer frame (see photo). 7-70075 (15,000-25,000)

Auction: Fine Art, Antiques & Asian - August 2012

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	2398	$34,500.00	IMPORTANT PAIR OF ABALONE MIRRORS BY BISHARA ZUGHBI & SONS. Late 19th, early 20th century, the workshop of Bishara Zughbi & Sons, Bethlehem, Israel. Each of identical construction and form, but with differing detail elements within each mirror frame. The first, an oval mirror plate within a conforming pierced surround embellished with flowers set on scrolling vinery within spandrels comprised of pierced floral rosettes within multiple borders of contrasting abalone inlays alternating with carved scrolling vinery and rows of simulated marble. The whole recessed within the outer frame comprised of a mirror plate border in the Venetian taste flanked by diamond shaped abalone inlays within a border of simulated marble panels, the innermost engraved “HAND-WORK OF BISHARA ZUGHBI & SONS/BETHLEHEM”, the outermost border set with various rosettes and paterae, all pierce carved as varying flower heads. Each corner mounted with arabesque form ears, the abalone surfaces carved with scrolling leaf tips applied with pierced floral rosettes. Each side mounted with a conforming arabesque giving the impression of a stepped outer frame. The second, an oval mirror plate within a conforming pierced surround embellished with flowers set on scrolling vinery within spandrels comprised of pierced floral rosettes within multiple borders of contrasting abalone inlays alternating with carved scrolling vinery and rows of simulated marble. The pierced section between contrasting abalone inlays carved with acanthus leaves. This example has three fewer borders than the first example. The whole recessed within the outer frame comprised of a mirror plate border in the Venetian taste, within this mirror plate is a border of abalone simulating marble flanked by string inlays of contrasting abalone. The mirror plate further bordered with abalone simulating marble overlaid with various floral rosettes and patera, all pierce carved. Each corner mounted with arabesque form ears, the abalone surfaces carved with scrolling leaf tips applied with pierced floral rosettes. Each side mounted with a conforming arabesque giving the impression of a stepped outer frame. Unsigned, but undoubtedly made by the same hand. SIZE: Overall: 35-1/2″ h x 31″ w. PROVENANCE: Back of first labeled on reverse: “Very fine M.O.P. veneered mirror, made by Bishara Zughbi & Sons in Bethlehem C. 1900. Given to Polly Bergen as a gift while she served as a good will Ambaddador (sic) to Isreal (sic).” CONDITION: Very good overall with good color and patina. Minimal and minor losses to abalone, greatest of which is a 2″ long foliate section of abalone in the outer frame (see photo). 7-70075 (15,000-25,000) Auction: Fine Art, Antiques & Asian - August 2012 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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