A CHINESE EXPORT REVERSE MIRROR PAINTING

Please note this lot will be moved to Christie’s F… Read more

THE FLORENCE AND HERBERT IRVING COLLECTION:AN IMPORTANT GROUP OF CHINESE EXPORT REVERSE MIRROR PAINTINGS Although glass vessels had long been made in China, the production of flat glass was not accomplished until the 19th century. Even in the Imperial glass workshops, set up in Beijing in 1696 under the supervision of the Jesuit Kilian Stumpf, window glass or mirrored glass was not successfully produced. As a result, from the middle of the 18th century onwards, when reverse glass painting was already popular in Europe, sheets of both clear and mirrored glass were sent to Canton from Europe. Chinese artists, who were already expert in painting and calligraphy, took up the practice of painting in oil on glass, tracing the outlines of their designs on the back of the plate and, using a special steel implement, scraping away the mirror backing to reveal glass that could then be painted. Glass paintings were made almost entirely for export, fueled by the mania in Europe for all things Chinese. They most often depicted bucolic landscapes, frequently with Chinese figures at various leisurely pursuits, and once in Europe the best were often placed in elaborate giltwood Chippendale or Chinoiserie frames. 18th century examples represent the best of Chinese glass painting, with elaborate compositions, rich color and fine detail. They are often found in the great country house interiors of the second half of the 18th century, amazing survivals of a luxury trade.

A CHINESE EXPORT REVERSE MIRROR PAINTING

CHINA, QING DYNASTY, LATE 18TH CENTURY

Details

A CHINESE EXPORT REVERSE MIRROR PAINTING
CHINA, QING DYNASTY, LATE 18TH CENTURY
Depicting two courtly ladies seated under a tree with an elderly shepherd with sheep, within a giltwood frame
29 ¾ in. (75.5 cm.) high, 37 ½ in. (95 cm.) wide

Provenance

Acquired from The Oriental Art Gallery Ltd., London, 5 February 1993.
The Irving Collection, no. BR08.

Special notice

Please note this lot will be moved to Christie’s Fine Art Storage Services (CFASS in Red Hook, Brooklyn) at 5pm on the last day of the sale. Lots may not be collected during the day of their move to Christie’s Fine Art Storage Services. Please consult the Lot Collection Notice for collection information. This sheet is available from the Bidder Registration staff, Purchaser Payments or the Packing Desk and will be sent with your invoice.

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