A pair of miniature reverse-glass paintings of ladies in a landscape, in original maple wood frames
H. 4,5 x W. 6.5 cm (painting)
H. 11.5 x W. 13.5 cm (including frame)nrIn the last quarter of the eighteenth century, there arose a great demand for Chinese reverse-glass paintings in the West, mainly in England. Initially, the paintings were mostly of Chinese landscapes with Chinese figures, like the two small present paintings. Later, after about 1785, exact copies of European or American prints were ordered by Western clients, as reverse-glass paintings in China.
Part of the China collection.
Related objects
A series of twelve Chinese paintings in gouache on rice-paper depicting the silk production
A Chinese export reverse-glass painting after an English print in original hardwood frame
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.
A pair of Chinese export oil-paintings depicting Macoa and Boca Tigris
The Portuguese settlement Macao in China is seen from Barra Hill at the foot of the peninsula, looking north-east towards the Chinese mainland. The “barrier gate” to the mainland is visible in the distance, with the large church of S. Paulo to its right and Fort Monte further to the right. To the right again is the shallow “Praya Grande”, where many of the western merchants rented houses. On the left is the Inner Harbour in which seagoing Portuguese ships and a large junk may be seen.