AN ENAMELLED GILT-BRONZE HAND MIRROR QING DYNASTY, 18TH – 19TH CENTURY

of circular form, the reverse enamelled with a pair of confronting phoenix, all framed within a copper border, between gilt-bronze foliate sprigs of stylised florets, and further embellished with coloured stones, rising from a handle similarly decorated with a floral design beneath the character shou ('longevity')

The enamel painting is in overall very good condition. The fittings are in overall good condition with only some expected tarnishing and oxidation, as well as minor dents especially to the interior rim of the circular frame and extremities. The circular mirror appears to be a replacement and has a few minor scratches and a spot of glue residue.
"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."

Compare a hand mirror with a very similar frame included in the exhibition Chinese Painted Enamels, The China Institute in America, New York, 1969, cat. no. 66 (centre); another sold in these rooms, 17th May 1989, lot 440; and a mirror cast with similar Western-inspired motifs and embellished with a small clock, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in situ in Qingdai gongting shenghuo [Life in the Palace during the Qing dynasty], Hong Kong, 1985, pl. 294.