Description
Pair of Chinese Reverse Glass Paintings on Vauxhall Plate Glass, Late 18th Early 19th century
A fine pair of vertical reverse glass paintings depicting elegantly dressed female figures in traditional Chinese attire, one playing a flute and the other holding a child, each seated in an idyllic garden landscape with deer and birds. These works were executed in the Orient on Vauxhall plate glass—a premium English glass exported to China during the 18th and early 19th centuries for decorative painting and subsequently re-imported to Europe.
Framed in giltwood frames, these pieces are fine examples of export art combining Western materials with Eastern artistry.
Rare survivals of early export art with documented provenance.
Dimensions of glass paintings: 72.50 x 20 cm (each)
Dimensions of frame: 78.50 x 25.50 cm (each)
Provenance
Purchased by H. Longden at the 1961 Antique Dealers Fair at Grosvenor House, London. Original 1962 handwritten receipt included, confirming the purchase noting the origin and quality of the pieces. Accompanied with original receipt.
Collection of Lily Venizelos, to support the MEDASSET Organization.