Cooperage Wall Mirror
Spec Sheet from Azure Magazine
When New York-based studio Seitz first conceived its Cooperage Wall Mirror, it was initially inspired by a somewhat unconventional source—the traditional Alpine milking pails, known as Fahreimer.
That utilitarian object was transformed into a minimal yet highly detailed mirror frame: The inner side is comprised of sixteen geometric facets that directly nod to its hand-bending construction method, while the round exterior “belt” features hand-carved customary Swiss patterns realized through the use of the old-world method of Schnitzerei, a carving technique practiced by only a small number of modern-day artists.
Founded by Kevin Seitz and Rob van Wyen, the studio strives to preserve and revitalize Swiss craft heritage by giving it a modern treatment. To that end, the wall mirror is handmade at an Alpine cooperage in Gais, Switzerland, one of only five that are still practicing.
Made from solid European ash, the mirror is available in a natural or ebonized finish, both of which are also treated with a clear lacquer topcoat.