Pair of 18th-century majolica mirrors

This beautiful pair of majolica mirrors were made in the Veneto region in the 18th century. They feature a shaped frame in white majolica with flowers enriched with gilding. At the base is a mask from whose mouth depart two painted metal candlesticks, also original from the 18th century. The lampshades are new and recently added. In the center, both have a mercury engraved glass, also original from the 18th century. A supporting wood has been added to the back later. Material Ceramic (majolica), painted metal, engraved glass Style Louis XV Era 18th century Setting Their shape and color allow them to be set in a modern context as well. 18th-century engraved Knight figure The original 18th-century engraving of the engraved glass of the left mirror features the figure of a knight. The head is turned to the left to "look at" the lady figure of the right mirror. Candle holders The candle holders are made of painted metal and are also original from the 18th century. 18th-century engraved Lady figure The original 18th-century engraving of the right mirror depicts a lady with her head turned to the right to "look at" the knight figure of the left mirror. The 18th century and the development of ceramics in Nove. The historical origins of Nove ceramics date back to the 18th century, and more precisely to the middle of it, when the bodies in charge of the economic management of the Serenissima Republic encouraged and promoted the creation of manufactures in the sector to counteract the import of ceramics from other centers, such as Lodi, Faenza and Genoa above all. Thus was born the first ceramic manufactory, that of the Manardi of Bassano del Grappa. In Rivarotta, between Angarano and Nove, in 1719 the partnership agreement was stipulated between Giovanni Battista Antonibon and Giovanni Maria Moretto, in order to organize a "crystallina business" and use its mills in Rivarotta. In 1727 the Antonibon company was founded in Nove, which, having obtained in 1732 from the Senate of the Serenissima the privilege of exemption from all duties for twenty years and the right to open a shop in Venice, became the most important ceramic factory of the Venetian Republic. In 1762 Pasquale Antonibon obtained in concession from the Senate of the Serenissima the same privileges for the marketing of porcelain already obtained a few years earlier by the Hewelckes in Udine and then in Venice. The Antonibon company was the fifth in Italy to produce porcelain, after that of the Vezzis (1720-27), of Doccia (from 1737), of Capodimonte (from 1743) and of the Hewelckes (1757-1765). Late 18th century: earthenware and majolica From 1786 Giovanni Maria Baccin started the production of "English-style earthenware", which is obtained by adding calcium and magnesium carbonate and silica to plastic clay. A less expensive material than porcelain, white in color. Different types of objects are made: from jardinières, to coasters, to cups with saucers, to baskets with the so-called "spaghetti" technique, to vases with Delft-type blue decoration.