A Chinese Export reverse-painted mirror. third quarter 18th century

A Chinese Export reverse-painted mirror. third quarter 18th century

overall size of plates 159.5cm. high, 74cm. wide; 5ft. 2¾in., 2ft. 5in. ( including frame 179cm. high, 94cm. wide; 5ft. 10½in., 3ft. 1in.) Est. 30,000—50,000 GBP

NOTE: The introduction of the technique of painting on glass in China is most often accredited to the Jesuit missionary Father Castiglione ( 1688-1766) who arrived in Peking in 1715, although the technique of `back-painting' was already established in Europe. The mirror or glass plates were most often imported from the West where the artist would exactingly remove the mercury backing in the areas to be decorated and then paint his design in reverse. Once completed and having already survived a perilous journey, the mirrors, now even more highly prized, were returned to Europe.

Following the stark classicism of the early 18th century, there was a desire in Europe for the whimsy and fantasy of the Orient. This taste propagated in part by architects such as Sir William Chambers, and fuelled by the East India Company`s imports of porcelain, silks, wall papers, lacquer and other exotic items, created a sensation across Europe for such wares. Interiors that still demonstrate this desire for `Chinoiserie', include Saltram in Devon, Clifton Hall in Northamptonshire, Claydon in Buckinghamshire and the Pavilion in Drottningholm, Sweden.

Sotheby's. Important Furniture, Silver, Ceramics and Clocks. 07 Jul 09 03:00 PM. London www.sothebys.com