Reverse Painted Glass Mirrors

76 items

Discover NOVICA's Reverse-Painted Glass Mirrors. The technique of painting glass on the reverse side originated in medieval European sacred works. Today, frames crafted of reverse-painted glass surround our collection of handcrafted artisan traditional and contemporary-style mirrors showcased in this unique collection.

The Village Council

Your answers straight from the village experts

+ - How do I care for my handcrafted mirror?

Different types of mirrors require different cleaning techniques. Gilded mirrors, for example especially vintage pieces may oxidize with the use of cleaning products or water, so it is best to simply and lightly dust their frame with a clean, soft cloth or brush. Most other styles have a frame that can be cleaned with a paper towel or soft, damp cloth. Glass and mirror cleaner is okay for the mirror itself, but we recommend spraying it onto the cloth first and not directly onto the mirror, as dripping chemicals stuck in the frame may cause damage over time. Be sure to dry the mirror when you are finished cleaning by wiping away any leftover moisture or cleaners.A well-ventilated area assists in keeping the mirror dry, and we recommend hanging your mirror in an area where it can be admired without the risk of nicks, wall leaks, or other issues.

+ - Would any of your wall mirrors work as bathroom mirrors?

Absolutely! Depending on the styles that suit your design needs, our mirrors are versatile, fun, and can be placed in a variety of spaces. You might even want two mirrors on perpendicular walls for greater perspective. Handcrafted mirrors show a natural diversity and uniqueness, so there is truly something for everyone.

+ - How do I know if my mirror is handmade?

There are a few simple ways to tell if your mirror is handmade. If you look closely, youll notice unique lines, markings, or painted stylized details that indicate that it is a one-of-a-kind piece. Mirrors made of wood typically display distinctive and intricate engraving, while painted mirrors often reveal unique brushstrokes, colors, and designs. Shapes and sizes of a particular motif may vary slightly, as no two handcrafted mirrors are exactly identical. This makes them all the more special.

+ - Are any of your hand mirrors eco-friendly?

Yes! At Novica, were passionate about protecting our planet, and we understand the importance of eco-friendly items. Andean artisan Luciana Sandovol prides herself on recycling discarded materials like cardboard, natural dyes, paper, and paints to use for her papier mache creations. Central America has also started introducing recycled natural fibers into their mirror-crafting. India utilizes mango wood, a fast-growing, dense, eco-friendly wood that is native to Southeast Asia, and harvested only after its fertile, fruit-bearing years.

+ - What are some kinds of handcrafted mirrors from different regions of the world?

A classic Mexican folk art is embossed tin, and this is often employed in mirror frames. In Thailand, the lavish lai rot nam technique ornate gilded motifs on smooth black lacquer has been used for more than 400 years. Balinese woodcarvers use their legendary skills to handcraft mirrors whose frames often depict the island's exuberant flora and fauna.The technique of reverse-painted glass is believed to have originated around 4 AD in Egypt, and arrived in Italy by the 13th century. In the 16th century, Italian and Spanish artisans were migrating to Peru, bringing the technique with them. Motifs are painted by hand on the reverse side of glass panes. These are inlaid into a wooden frame, achieving a wonderful clarity of colors.In addition, beautiful Peruvian baroque wall mirrors are handcrafted in the Andes. They are carved by hand and covered with aluminum or bronze leaf before they receive an aged patina. See how theyre made here: https://bit.ly/3r3DxTp

+ - What materials are popular for handcrafted mirrors?

As with most handicrafts, the materials at hand are the ones most often used. Woods of all kinds with sleek surfaces to show off the grain, or carved by hand, or embellished with applications. Glass panes, gilt, natural fibers or fabrics are also perfect for mirrors, as are tooled leather or metal repousse, ceramic tiles, stone, resin or papier mache. Artisans the world over discover unique materials to craft innovative and attractive mirrors.

+ - What kinds of mirrors can be handcrafted?

Wall mirrors and hand mirrors are perfect for artisans, as are tabletop mirrors. In fact, any mirror with a frame invites an infinity of creative designs and techniques.

Featured Reviews

Reverse painted glass wall mirror, 'Green Peruvian Elegance'

Christine

Aug 11, 2025

MY FAVORITE MIRROR IN MY HOME

THE MIRROR IS SO PRETTY AND THE WORKSMANSHIP OF THE REVERSE PAINTING IS SO STUNNING I AM SO HAPPY I BOUGHT THIS PIECE IT IS PERFECT FOR MY ROOM.

Green Wall Decor

Wood Wall Decor

Glass Wall Decor

Reverse Painted Glass Wall Decor

Hand Painted Wall Decor

Colonial Wall Decor

Wall Decor

Reverse painted glass mirror, 'Spring Violets'

Michele

Jul 19, 2020

Classy and Unique

This mirror is not huge, measure to be aware of the size. I expected something a bit bigger - but I hung it up and it has really grown on me. It is a lovely accent piece, the colors are rich, but not gaudy. It is well made, and I enjoy seeing it every day.

A Gothic Mirror

Anywhere Wall Mirror

Artists Around The World

Decorate An Interior Wall Mirror

Dining Room Decor

Entryway Wall Decor

Fancy Decoration.

Handmade Crafts From Around The World

Mirror

Mirror Wall Decor

Reverse painted glass wall mirror, 'Ruby Medallion'

Pamela Hofman

Feb 6, 2021

A work of art

I love this little mirror! When you look closely, it's obvious an artist hand-painted the design and that makes it even more special to me. It hangs in my living room and makes me happy when it catches my eye.

Beautiful!

Beautifully Designed Mirror For Your Bathroom

Living Room Wall Decor

Lovely Mirror

Mirror Wall Decor

Mirrors For Walls

Featured Artist

Asunta Pelaez Reverse-painted glass mirrors and trays

(245)

"A dream is a wish your heart makes. It doesn't come true through magic. It requires determination and hard work."

"My passion for art comes from the depths of my heart. It's in my DNA. From childhood, I attended all the drawing and painting classes at school.... read more

“Reflections of a soul that adopts life,” A portrait of mirror artisan, Marcos Luzalde

“I still remember the nights I spent beneath a sky illuminated by starlight. It wasn’t exactly a... read more

3 Great Ways To Display Mirrors In Your Home

Mirrors are a great way to decorate the home. Not only do they serve a functional purpose, but also there are... read more

More useful facts

Reverse Painted Glass Mirrors

Reverse glass painting has some counterintuitive challenges. The artist must paint the figures backwards from how they will be viewed from the other side of the glass. If that wasn’t enough of a struggle, the finest details—wrinkles, eyebrows, shading—must be applied first, so that they are closest to the glass surface and ultimately sit on top of dress colors, background motifs, and any other general parts of the painting. Paint dries slowly on glass, meaning that each reverse glass painted mirror must be meticulously done. The end result is a painting that people describe as having an intriguing depth. Due to its challenges, however, reverse glass painting is a more rare form. With artistic ardor and concern for the extinction of traditional art forms, Edmundo Contreras aspires to preserve history, as well as beauty, through his reverse painted glass mirrors.