The Leila mirror is composed of a small gilded frame embellished with grey and peach colored cultured pearls interspersed with crystal and sterling silver faceted beads. The suburst spokes are natural baroque pearls.
This mirror is about 7.5 inches in diameter and is currently in my studio pending being sent to one of my showrooms.
Jewelry for walls.
The Leila mirror was inspired by Bizet’s opera “The Pearl Fishers”( Les Pêcheurs de Perles) which premiered in Paris in 1863 when Bizet was not yet 25. The opera is infused with gorgeous European orientalism which was popular at the time. The plot goes like this: Set in ancient times on the island of Ceylon, the opera tells the story of how two men’s vow of eternal friendship is threatened by their love for the same woman( Leila), whose own dilemma is the conflict between secular love and her sacred oath as a priestess. The friendship duet “Au fond du temple saint”, generally known as “The Pearl Fishers Duet”, is one of the best-known in Western opera.
The divine Diana Damrau in the Metropolitan Opera’s production of The Pearl Fishers.
A 19th century illustration of a scene from the opera.
Perhaps the most famous pearl in the world, La Peregrina. With a history spanning 500 years it earned its name as “the wanderer”. Found in Panama by an African slave it was given to the Spanish king Philip II who gave it to his bride, Queen Mary I of England( “Bloody Mary”). Eventually the owner was Elizabeth Taylor. Who wore it better?
The Sultan Bhupendra Singh Patiala wearing an avalanche of pearls and diamonds.
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