A 19th c. wooden hand mirror in original polychrome paints.
Wonderfully crafted in its simplicity and decorated to a highly elevated level. Its construction consists of a single piece of hand cut pine wood lacking perfect symmetry. The back displays a strong array of tool marks from being rough cut and not dressed for a smooth surface while the front remains finished well with curved sides and a cavity accommodating its original glass which is held in place via glazing putty. A diamond shaped pierced hangle hole accompanies its handle.
Its paint remains to be its focal point, wildly decorated with polychrome paints in red, yellow and light blue laid on a chocolate brown ground. The arrangement of colorful pin striping in conjunction with curvature of its body and handle creates a very powerful  form. 
Remains in superlative original condition with extremely pleasing paint surface qualities. A best of kind for hand mirrors with magnetic qualities for the collector seeking color in delicate treen accessories. 
American, probably New England origin. Ca. 1840-1860. 7 1/4"L