This mirror belonged to a member of the Copp family of Stonington, Connecticut during the late 18th and early 19th century. Museum documentation notes that the mirror is likely of Chinese origin, like many similar “courting mirrors” of the time. These courting mirrors were given by suitors to young women as gifts, and were prized due to their Eastern origin and refinement. Many were kept in wooden protective cases like this one to protect it during its travels.
The Copp Collection contains a variety of household objects that the Copp family of Connecticut used from around 1700 until the mid-1800s. Part of the Puritan Great Migration from England to Boston, the family eventually made their home in New London County, Connecticut, where their textiles, clothes, utensils, ceramics, books, bibles, and letters provide a vivid picture of daily life. More of the collection from the Division of Home and Community Life can be viewed by searching accession number 28810.
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