A Chinese Export reverse painted glass mirror, mid 18th century

in a later carved giltwood frame

The glass plate is typically distressed and there are losses to the silvered surface and there is some flaking (notably to the top left corner). The giltwood frame with a deliberately worn finish and typical separations to mitred joints. Re-backed with board.
"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."

During the 18th century Canton was the centre for mirror painting of this type, although the plates themselves were of European manufacture, often French, supplied through the agency of the Compagnie des Indes. The introduction of the technique of painting on imported glass in China is often accredited to the Jesuit missionary Father Castiglione (1688 - 1766), who arrived in Peking in 1715. However, this technique of reverse glass painting mirror plates was already well known in Europe and employed to great effect. The designs were either painted onto the mirror glass before silvering or traced onto pre-silvered plates so that the mercury backing could be removed prior to decorating. Once clean the plates were applied with a gum and then worked in reverse using a fine wire brush to apply the coloured oils. The taste for these pieces grew rapidly in Europe, indeed in the 1760s Francis Dashwood, 2nd Baronet had views of his seat West Wycombe Park sent to China to be copied in reverse glass, favouring the eastern technique to that of the European artisans.