Vintage Bevelled Kiaat Mirror
The story begins with the glass. A mid-century bevelled optical mirror plate was retained, clinically cleaned and rehoused in a newly fabricated Kiaat frame with bronze mounting hooks.
.jpeg&w=3840&q=75&dpl=dpl_6L1njjaobVDfv37xuF9CwgwVNtVH)
Piece Details
Private viewings are available by appointment in Cape Town.
White-glove Cape Town delivery and bespoke shipping can be arranged separately.
The Glass
The original heritage element is a mid-century optical glass plate with heavy architectural bevelling. The glass was acquired as a standalone piece, without its original housing or frame.
At the time of acquisition, the mirror plate was in a stable condition. The bevelling itself is pronounced and deliberate, characteristic of the period in which the glass was made.
The glass was clinically cleaned and polished to remove micro-abrasions, preserving the depth and clarity of the original bevelling. It remains the centre of the finished piece.
The Reframing
Because the glass arrived without its original housing, a new Kiaat frame was purpose-built to provide a sympathetic structural home for the mirror plate. The frame is newly fabricated and is not presented as antique.
Bronze mounting hooks were sourced and added to the Kiaat frame to provide both structural function and visual coherence. The finished assembly was then stabilised to ensure that the original glass and the new frame function as a single unit.
The result brings together the character of an older glass with the clean construction of a contemporary frame, intended to work in a modern interior without competing with the mirror itself.
The Record
Treatment was completed in December 2025 and documented under reference THE-KBM-0026.
The record covers the condition of the original mirror plate at acquisition, the cleaning and polishing process, and the fabrication and stabilisation of the new Kiaat frame assembly.
The work was executed by Samantha Cass, Founder of The Heritage Edit.
Care & Stewardship
Simple guidelines to preserve the original bevelled glass and newly fabricated Kiaat frame of this piece.
01. The Glass
Clean with a soft microfibre cloth. Apply glass cleaner to the cloth rather than spraying directly onto the mirror surface. Avoid allowing liquid to collect around the edges or behind the glass, as moisture at the perimeter can affect the silvering over time.
02. The Kiaat Frame
Dust with a soft dry or lightly damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners and strong household chemicals near the timber surface. Kiaat is a naturally durable timber; routine dusting is sufficient for day-to-day care.
03. The Environment
Keep away from prolonged direct sunlight, excessive heat and sustained damp conditions. If structural movement develops between the glass and frame, seek professional assessment before attempting adjustment.