Gold Sunburst Mirrors

What is a sunburst mirror?

A sunburst mirror is distinguished by a circular core surrounded by radiating rays or flame-like ornamentation. This form originates from 17th- and 18th-century European interior design, where the sun symbolised order, continuity and cultural authority.

Unlike flat wall mirrors, a sunburst mirror is sculptural in nature. The piece functions not merely through reflection, but through relief, play of shadow and rhythm. The mirror thus becomes an extension of the wall architecture itself.

Where paintings tell stories through imagery, sunburst mirrors tell stories through light.

Why Kuzco Art Maison designs gold sunburst mirrors

At Kuzco Art Maison, we approach mirrors as functional sculptures. Each design begins with art-historical research into form, proportion and ornament, translated into a contemporary interior context.

Antique sunburst mirrors are rare and often fragile. Modern mass production, conversely, loses the craftsmanship and depth.

Our collection sits precisely between the two: newly crafted, yet historically rooted with an antique aesthetic.

• Each sunburst mirror comprises:
• a wooden frame, employing traditional craftsmanship
• hand-applied gold leaf
• controlled patination for depth and softness

The result is not a mirror that simply reflects light, but an object that carries light.

Art-historical origins: from Louis XIV to Hollywood Regency

The sunburst mirror found its canonical form in the France of Louis XIV, the Sun King. At Versailles, the sun was elevated to both political and aesthetic symbol. Gold, light and symmetry served as instruments of representation.

In the 18th century, the sunburst mirror spread throughout Europe, with variations emerging in Italy and Spain, where the rays became more expressive and organic. In the 20th century, the form experienced reinterpretation within Art Deco and later Hollywood Regency interiors, where sunburst mirrors were deployed as graphic statements above consoles, fireplaces and in hotel lobbies.

Our designs stand consciously within this tradition—not as replicas, but as contemporary continuations of a classical principle.

Our gold sunburst mirror collection

The sunburst mirrors from Kuzco Art Maison are available in various interpretations, each with its own character:

• Sunburst Mirror Soleil – Classic sun rays with rhythmic symmetry, inspired by French Baroque interiors
• Sunburst Mirror Flamme – Organic, flame-like rays with sculptural movement and depth

Each mirror is individually gilded and patinated, ensuring no two pieces are identical.

Gold sunburst mirrors in interior design

For interior designers, architects and contract furnishing specialists, sunburst mirrors function as powerful focal points.

Applications:

• above a fireplace or console table
• in entrance halls and stairwells
• as luminous anchors in hotel lobbies and restaurants
• within symmetrical wall compositions

Sunburst mirrors pair exceptionally well with materials such as marble, travertine, bronze and limewash. Through their radiant form, they amplify both daylight and artificial light, without creating visual clutter.

We actively advise on:

• diameter and scale
• gold leaf tone (Antique Gold, Champagne Gold, Soft Gilded)
• wall positioning and light incidence
• Creating interiors as inspiring as an exhibition.

Service & quality from Kuzco Art Maison

• Handcrafted in limited editions
• Gilded with genuine gold leaf
• Optically clear crystal glass
• Art-historically informed design
• Suitable for both residential and hospitality projects
• B2B support for designers and galleries
• European delivery
• Viewable at Maison & Objet each January in Paris

Care & placement of gold sunburst mirrors

A gilded sunburst mirror requires minimal yet careful handling:

• remove dust with a dry, soft cloth
• do not use cleaning products
• avoid prolonged exposure to direct, intense sunlight

For optimal effect, we recommend placement opposite or adjacent to a natural light source, allowing the gold leaf to develop its full depth and lustre.