Located in Northampton, MA
This circa 1910-1920 hand mirror is beautifully made from serpentine -a stone often mistaken for jade. The yellowish-green handle supports a fine porcelain backing which has been delicately hand-painted. The mirror is framed in ornate ormolu. The mirror measures 9" in length and is 4" across.
Mirrors like this as well as other vanity items were popular with tourists who were just entering China for the first time. The opulent styling of the mirror reflects the Western view of "exotic" China, known then as "the Orient."
The reflective side of the mirror has a patch where the backing has worn away, leaving a bald spot. If you are beautiful...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Art Nouveau Uncut Vanity Items