Page 67 - Christies May 12, 2017 Kensington

(detail)
(two views)
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A CARVED ALOESWOOD EXPORT ‘CURIOSITY’ MIRROR
19TH CENTURY
The ingenious device comprises a carved box that encloses a
large circular mirror. The wood is carved in relief with pavilions a stage with fgures in European dress, an arch and several
in a mountainous landscape amongst clouds and rivers above
water around the base. The pavilions are carved with two peep
holes containing mirrors refecting two scenes made up from
painted shelves on the reverse that are arranged to create a
sense of perspective in two columns of fve, one depicting
fgures in a European street, the other fgures in boats on a lake.
The upper part of the glazed back is painted in reverse with
terraced pavilions in a river landscape.
31¿ in. (79 cm.) high; 22 in. (56 cm.) wide; 8æ in. (22 cm.) deep
£15,000-25,000 $19,000-31,000
€18,000-29,000
A similar ‘curiosity’ mirror was ofered at Christie’s London, 15
May 2007, lot 34.
At frst glance this exceptionally rare item appears to be an
intricately carved dark wood cabinet with a round mirror on
the front. The elaborate, high relief, carving, which depicts
buildings, waves and clouds, is reminiscent of the well-carved
furniture that was sent from Guangdong as tribute to the court
in the 18th century. Closer inspection of the buildings in the
upper quarter of the piece, however, reveals that two moon-
shaped ‘windows’ are in fact glazed, and invite the viewer to
look inside. On looking through the left window the viewer sees
sets of wings, which give an appearance of recession to the
scene. The right window encloses European fgures in rowing
boats and sailing vessels, all set up to create a sense of depth.
From the back of the cabinet it is possible to see the fve layers
of scenery. The impression when looking through the ‘windows’
in the front of the cabinet is of seeing a miniature version of an
18th century theatre - of the kind that has survived to this day
in a few European palaces, such as Ludwigsburger Castle near
Stuttgart in Germany. The whole construction of this viewing
cabinet has been beautifully crafted to give full efect to the
optical illusion it ofers the viewer, and must have delighted its
intended recipient.
清十九世紀 沉香木雕海水樓閣紋萬花鏡
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