Lot Essay
The pheasants are a symbol of beauty, good fortune, and refinement.
'In England in the mid-18th century there was a great demand for Chinese reverse paintings on glass of native Chinese landscape scenes and figures in landscapes. Many of these had mirrored backgrounds above the painted decoration and were placed in elaborate Chippendale frames to serve as mantel glasses or pier mirrors. While some were framed in English-style frames, others were placed in chinoiserie or Chinese frames. The introduction of portrait figures in mirrored landscape panels probably began early in the third quarter of the 18th century.' (Crossman, p.203).
'In England in the mid-18th century there was a great demand for Chinese reverse paintings on glass of native Chinese landscape scenes and figures in landscapes. Many of these had mirrored backgrounds above the painted decoration and were placed in elaborate Chippendale frames to serve as mantel glasses or pier mirrors. While some were framed in English-style frames, others were placed in chinoiserie or Chinese frames. The introduction of portrait figures in mirrored landscape panels probably began early in the third quarter of the 18th century.' (Crossman, p.203).