Late 14th century – early 15th century
Hornbeam wood
Among the sixteen mirror frames discovered by archaeologists around the Grand Dukes’ Palace of the Vilnius Lower Castle, only three are completely preserved. The third, the best-preserved frame, serves as a standard example of such objects from the late 14th to early 15th century.
A hole with a diameter of 0.3 cm is formed in the central part of the frame. The exact purpose of such holes in frames is still uncertain – it is suggested that they could be traces of the manufacturing process, a place for a handle, a fastening element, or perhaps air vents.
Another small hole is drilled at the edge of the frame. It is likely that these edge holes were intended for hanging the object on a cord, leather strap, or chain. Other mirrors that lacked a hanging hole were probably carried in leather cases.
Information prepared by Irena Kaminskaitė, dr. Rūtilė Pukienė
