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Lot Essay
While the imitation and evocation of Chinese styles, known as chinoiserie, was popular at the courts of Europe in the 18th century, there was a reciprocal vogue at the Chinese court for finely made items in European style. This 'occidentalist' fashion was seen at its most magnificent in the European Palaces, Xiyanglou, built by the Qianlong emperor in the northern part of the Yuanmingyuan. These European Palaces, built between 1747 and 1759, were designed for the emperor by European Jesuit missionary artists employed at the Chinese court. The resulting buildings combine a mixture of Italian rococo style with possibly Mughal-inspired foliate and floral elements.
It is precisely this style that has also been created by the craftsman carving this zitan mirror frame and stand. The beautifully carved shell and floral forms, and especially the elegant scrolling leaves on the frame and stand replicate some of the finest stone carving in the European Palaces. It seems most likely that this mirror and stand were made at the height of the Chinese court's fascination with European style, which the Chinese carver has so successfully translated into the classic Chinese medium of highly prized zitan wood.
It is precisely this style that has also been created by the craftsman carving this zitan mirror frame and stand. The beautifully carved shell and floral forms, and especially the elegant scrolling leaves on the frame and stand replicate some of the finest stone carving in the European Palaces. It seems most likely that this mirror and stand were made at the height of the Chinese court's fascination with European style, which the Chinese carver has so successfully translated into the classic Chinese medium of highly prized zitan wood.