LATE 18TH CENTURY

Details

A CHINESE-EXPORT BLACK AND TWO-TONE LACQUER DRESSING-MIRROR
LATE 18TH CENTURY
The later oval bevelled plate within a floral and zig-zag patterned border, between shaped supports and beneath an oval looped cresting, above a serpentine base with two long drawers with English 18th century handles, with shaped apron and bracket feet
34½ in. (87. 5 cm.) high; 21 in. (53 cm.) wide; 11 in. (28 cm.) deep

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

The unusual decorative treatment of this mirror, with its distinctive zig-zag patterns with bands of grape leaf on black and peonies on gold grounds, is exemplary of the lacquerware made in Canton for the export market between 1785 - 1820, closely following European designs (C. Crossman, The Decorative Arts of the China Trade, Woodbridge, 1991, pp. 264-266). The beribboned Roman-medallion elements of this mirror reflects the antique fashion promoted by Messrs A.Hepplewhite & Co., The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterers guidee, 1788, pls. 70 and 71. A mirror of nearly identical design was sold anonymously, Christie's, London, 30 November 2000, lot 246 (£3,407). The latter mirror was offered en suite with a Chinese-Export gilt-lacquer bureau-cabinet which sold for £102,750.

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