Page 115 - Bonhams NYC Chinese works of Art March 2019

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TWO CHINESE EXPORT REVERSE-GLASS PAINTINGS
19th century
The first portraying a lady leaning against a table while smoking a pipe,
wearing a fur-lined winter cloak and hood; the second portraying an
elegantly appointed, seated lady teaching a young Manchu prince to
read; both with silvered mirror backgrounds, framed with gilt-lacquer
frames.
17 1/2 x 12 1/2in (44.5 x 31.7cm) (2).

$8,000 - 12,000

十九世紀 鏡面美人畫

During the 18th century Canton (Guangzhou) was the center of
reverse glass paintings of this type. The glass plates were of European
manufacture, often French, supplied through the agency of the
Compagnie des Indes. In Canton, the plates were painted with images
of beauties and landscapes and re-exported to Europe where their
exotic flavor made them the height of fashionable sophistication.

FINE CHINESE ART | 113