A pair of Chinese reverse painted mirrors late 18th century

with bevelled edges, one depicting an elegantly dressed young woman, seated on rocks in an exotic garden beneath a tree, an attendant holding flowers and standing next to her, the other painting depicting a young woman lying in a canopied punt beneath a tree, in a river landscape, in modern japanned frames  

Previously sold Christie`s Fine English Furniture, 28th June 1979, lot 16, designated `The Property of a Gentleman'.

These are both in very good condition. There is some minor discolouration consistent with age. For further information on this Lot, please contact the English Furniture Department on 00 44 (0) 207 293-5470.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

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.