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This George II Chinese export verre églomisé mirror depicting a portrait of a Chinese lady of high rank or nobility, adorned in traditional attire and seated by a window under a blue curtain, holding a ruyi sceptre in her hand. She is wearing a red robe with embroidered hems and a blue stole, her hair adorned with an elaborate hairdress. The flowing robes, and the delicate handling of the brushwork convey a sense of grace and dignity. The mirror is mounted in original shaped walnut frame with rich, deep tones typical of the George II style, known for its refined elegance and classical influences.
The Ruyi sceptre that she is holding is a Chinese curved decorative object that serves as either a ceremonial scepter in Chinese Buddhism or a talisman symbolizing power and good fortune.
Verre eglomise is a technique in which the reverse side of glass is gilded with gold or metal leaf, often combined with painted designs. One of the most striking aspects of verre églomisé is its ability to create a luxurious, reflective surface that beautiful catches the light.
This mirror is a stunning example of 18th-century craftsmanship that combines European and Chinese artistic traditions. This mirror, dating from the mid-1700s, reflects the fascination with and demand for chinoiserie that characterized the period, particularly among the European elite. Mirrors like this one were highly valued in Europe for their exotic appeal and the skilled artistry they represented. They were often displayed in the homes of the wealthy as symbols of taste and cultural sophistication.
