Ungu 'Lady's Face' Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Hand Mirror
Vanity Set (Hand Mirror) · Ungu, Silver & Co., based in New York. They were renowned for their high-quality Art Nouveau sterling hollowware and vanity items produced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Pattern: Ungu 'Lady's Face' or 'Maiden' pattern, featuring whiplash curves and personified Art Nouveau motifs. This specific pattern was introduced circa 1900.
Type
Vanity Set (Hand Mirror)
Maker
Ungu, Silver & Co., based in New York. They were renowned for their high-quality Art Nouveau sterling hollowware and vanity items produced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) casing with a glass mirror insert and likely a plaster or resin filling to provide weight and structural support to the thin silver shell.
Dimensions
Estimated 9 to 11 inches in length and 5 inches in diameter. Weight is approximately 350-500 grams total, though the net silver weight is significantly less due to the 'loaded' interior and glass.
Description
An exquisite example of American Art Nouveau silver, this hand mirror features a deeply embossed maiden's face surrounded by ethereal, flowing tresses. The silver surface is dynamic, with light playing off the curves of the repoussé work. It represents the height of Edwardian-era personal luxury, where everyday objects were treated as fine art pieces for the dressing table.
Key Features
The 'Lady's Face' motif at the top of the mirror is the primary diagnostic feature. The high-relief chasing and the intricate whiplash border on the handle are signature Ungu design elements.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) casing with a glass mirror insert and likely a plaster or resin filling to provide weight and structural support to the thin silver shell.
Finish & Decoration
High-relief repoussé and chasing. The piece features a classic Art Nouveau 'Maiden' face at the crown with flowing hair that transitions into whiplash curves, floral tendrils, and a central script monogram cartouche.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Typically marked 'STERLING' followed by the Ungu hallmark (a 'U' inside a circle or shield). Marks are usually found on the edge of the rim near the handle or on the handle neck.
Construction Details
Die-struck and embossed thin sterling silver sheet. The front and back shells are typically swaged or soldered together over a weighted core. This is a characteristic 'hollow-handle' and 'weighted-body' construction.
Functional Features
Hand-held reflective surface for grooming. The handle is ergonomically shaped with reinforced ridges to prevent the thin silver from denting during use.
Handle & Grip Details
Tapered sterling silver handle integrated into the frame, decorated with scrolling foliate motifs. It is hollow-filled for balance and weight.
Craftsmanship Details
The piece shows excellent die-work with deep dimensions. The hand-chased details in the hair and the crispness of the monogram indicate a higher tier of manufacturing quality than mass-market silver plate of the same era.
Authentication Indicators
The depth of the repoussé is consistent with Ungu's period-correct dies. Wear patterns on the protruding 'high points' of the maiden's face and handle suggest authentic age rather than a modern cast reproduction.
Origin & Manufacturing
New York, USA. Manufactured using industrial die-stamping techniques combined with hand-chasing for detail, a hallmark of American silver production during the Gilded Age.
Era & Period
Art Nouveau (1890-1910). The indicators include the flowing, organic lines, the personification of nature through the female face, and the asymmetrical floral energy.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900-1905. The design relies heavily on the French-influenced Art Nouveau aesthetic which peaked in American vanity sets during this brief window.
Cultural Significance
Hand mirrors of this quality were symbols of wealth and feminine refinement in the late Victorian and Edwardian periods, often given as debutante or wedding gifts.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Visible surface scratches and minor tarnish consistent with age. There appears to be a red marker price on the silver which should be carefully removed. The central monogram is crisp, indicating minimal over-polishing.
Value Estimate
Market value typically ranges from $150 to $300 at antique specialty shops. The $39.99 tag shown in the image represents a significant 'thrift find' bargain, as the scrap silver value alone likely nears this price.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a high-quality silver cream like Wright's. Avoid submerging in water as moisture can seep behind the silver shell and damage the mirror silvering or the weighted core.
Similar Pieces
Unger Brothers 'Love's Dream' pattern or Gorham 'Lily' pattern mirrors. The Unger pieces often feature more provocative 'lady' figures, while Gorham's are generally more floral.
Interesting Facts
Ungu, Silver & Co. was particularly famous for their 'Art Nouveau' maiden designs, which competed directly with high-end makers like Gorham and Unger Bros. Many of these mirrors were part of 10-15 piece sets including hair brushes, shoe horns, and button hooks.