Rare 19th Century Occult Carved Wood Folk Art Witches Scrying Mirror Antique

A 19th century folk art wall mirror features a hand-carved dark wood frame sculpted in the likeness of a witch, with her head resting on her hands atop a pointed brimmed hat and expressive facial details including expressive eyes, a prominent nose, and textured hair.

Her elongated limbs gracefully bend down the sides to encase the central oval glass insert, meeting and crossing at the base to form feet, making for a striking piece of folk art decor with rich aged patina and minor surface wear consistent with age.

In folk art and esoteric traditions, carved wooden mirrors featuring witch iconography served dual roles as striking decor and functional tools for scrying or divination. Within 19th and early 20th century folk belief, reflective surfaces were often associated with spiritual sight, trance work, and protection, where practitioners used scrying glasses to focus intent, perceive spirits, or ward off negative energy. The depiction of a witch framing the mirror reflects a broader European penchant for incorporating mythological figures and magical motifs into domestic items, bridging decorative craftsmanship with popular folklore surrounding hedge witchcraft and traditional spirit practices.

Dimensions: 41.5 x 22 x 7.5 cm

In good overall condition with a small section of wood missing from below the mirror plate and some light tarnishing.