Theo Molkenboer, Dutch Art Nouveau batik mirror frame, 1899

This rare and unique mirror frame by well-known Dutch artist Theo Molkenboer (1871 - 1920) was decorated with batik on parchment. The simple organic decoration is characteristic for the 'Nieuwe Kunst', the Dutch alternative to the Art Nouveau movement. The batik technique was typical for the late nineteenth century, when Dutch artists became very interested in ornaments and techniques used in the Far East. The mirror of Theo Molkenboer is a great example of experimenting with the Javanese traditional batik technique. The object is signed with the artist's monogram on the frame. This signature was also a decorative element, added in the middle of the frame above. The back is also signed with 'Th. Molkenboer Me Fecit 1899 Amsterdam'.