A pair of Chinese reverse-painted mirror pictures within Chinese frames. second half 18th century

The pictures backed with later mirrors

Overall good condition; the painting to the pictures maintaining vibrant colors, very finely executed, the lighter colors with slight fading in places, some very small losses; one picture with some inpainting to the palm tree leaves; the other with small losses to lower part of picture and some fading to the green and lighter colors; the original pictures are now backed with a later mirror plate; the original silvering to the 18th century paintings is now completely lossed, and has been scraped away; the giltwood frames with some flaking, chips and losses in places, and with some minor repairs to extremities; with old losses visible in the catalog illustration
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The present pair of mirror pictures maintain beautiful vibrant colors and are very well painted and typical of late eighteenth century work.  It is interesting to note that the mirror pictures are backed with later mirror panels, most likely due to extensive losses, pitting and crystallization to the original eighteenth century silvering.  The effect has created a slightly irradescent quality to the painting.  The Chinese giltwood frames are interesting in that they are a Chinese interpretation of Continental rococo forms and were probably made for export to the Continental market opposed to being made for the English market.