Antique English George II Scarlet Chinoiserie Framed Mirror, circa 1850

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Antique English George II Scarlet Chinoiserie Framed Mirror, circa 1850

About the Item

Receive our new selections direct from 1stdibs by email each week. Please click Follow Dealer below and see them first! A slender antique English George II style scarlet coloured Chinoiserie decorated frame enclosing the original mirror glass circa 1850. This elegant frame possesses the allure of the Orient so pronounced amongst English collectors for centuries. The shape of the frame became popular during the reign of George II in England (1727-1760) and derived from an earlier shape seen during the reign of Queen Anne (1702-1714). The lower section of the frame is a simple rectangle but then the frame moves outward to support a shaped crest at the top. Most often this type of frame is seen in mahogany or walnut but here the entire frame is adorned with a fabulous scarlet lacquer embellished with stylized scenes of the Orient known by the term "Chinoiserie" after the French name for China "Chinois". What is most interesting in looking at the decoration on this frame is how the symmetry of the shape of the frame is in direct contrast with the asymmetry of the scenes depicted. In the centre of the crest area are two figures set in a landscape, one standing and one kneeling, with hands clasped to one another. The kneeling figure has a large parasol in the other hand while the standing figure gestures with his free hand. On the right hand side there is a large pavilion separated from the figures while on the left is an imaginary landscape full of various flowers. These three separate scenes are all contained within the crest and feature a raised profile and a gilded finish that provides a distinct shimmer in their reflective quality against the scarlet coloured background. This asymmetry in the decoration is also apparent on either side of the frame on the left and the right side where figures are similar but the background details are completely different. Even the horizontal floral bouquets at the top and base of the frame exhibit subtle differences. What ties the entire decoration of the frame together is the hand applied gilt seen in a cross hatch design in the four corners along with the gilt outline of the crest. The frame encloses the original mirror glass that has the characteristic sparkle and speckles of antique age that give a distinctive reflection. This mirror is a charming artifact of mid nineteenth century England and its potent colour and slender scale add to its overall appeal.

Dimensions:
Height: 25 in (63.5 cm)Width: 14.5 in (36.83 cm)Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)
Style:
George II (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Lacquer,Mirror,Painted
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
1850-1859
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1850
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Houston, TX
Reference Number:
Seller: EEJ103B1stDibs: LU86682454382