A Chinese export reverse-glass painting after an English print in original hardwood frame
Canton, late 18th century
In original hardwood frame with ruyi-shaped metal mount for suspension.
H. 38.7 x W. 44.3 cm (incl. frame)
H. 31.8 x W. 37.5 cm (image)
Chinese reverse glass paintings for export are known since mid 18th century. By the 1780's the copying of European, mainly English, engravings came into vogue in Chinese paintings on glass, and often reverse glass paintings were mirrored or with silver backs. Particularly in England, they became very popular as over mantel mirrors in copied English frames. Because of their nature, many have been lost over time.
In original hardwood frame with ruyi-shaped metal mount for suspension.
H. 38.7 x W. 44.3 cm (incl. frame)
H. 31.8 x W. 37.5 cm (image)
Chinese reverse glass paintings for export are known since mid 18th century. By the 1780's the copying of European, mainly English, engravings came into vogue in Chinese paintings on glass, and often reverse glass paintings were mirrored or with silver backs. Particularly in England, they became very popular as over mantel mirrors in copied English frames. Because of their nature, many have been lost over time.
Part of the China collection.
Related objects
A painting depicting the Star and Stripes flying over the American Consulate in Nagasaki
Signed with monogram and dated: Apr. 1891, SPL(?)
A pair of miniature reverse-glass paintings of ladies in a landscape, in original maple wood frames
Canton, circa 1780
