AN IMPERIAL ZITAN MIRROR FRAME AND STAND QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

the upright rectangular frame with a slightly arched top and shaped sides, deftly carved in 'Yuanmingyuan style' to the front side in low relief with ornate acanthus leaf scrolls within a raised border, the separate stand with a rectangular hardwood panel reticulated and carved with a central lotus bloom borne on a scrolling leafy stem, above a splayed apron and bracket feet carved with stylised shell and foliate scrolls, the four supports similarly pierced with curling leaves, the wood of deep reddish-brown colour with a dense typical grain, inset with an oxidized mirror

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 10th April 2006, lot 1805.

Art & Imitation in China, The University Museum and Art Gallery, University of Hong Kong, 2006, cat. no. 186.

The mirror plate is a later replacement, the lower edge of the mirror's wood casing on the reverse is held in place with an old tape, but overall the mirror frame is in very good condition. The separate stand is made of another hardwood; one side of the splayed apron is a later carved replacement, otherwise its condition is good.
"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."

This piece is a fine example of work from the Qianlong period, displaying European influences in its style and production. While the imitation of Chinese styles, known as 'chinoiserie', was popular at the courts in Europe during this period, there was also a vogue at the Chinese court for fine works in European style. During the mid-18th century, European Jesuit artists were employed at the court to design the imperial palaces. The resulting buildings combined a mix of Italian rococo, French rocaille and Chinese or Mughal-inspired foliate and floral designs as found on the present mirror. This frame and stand was most likely made during the height of the Chinese court's fascination with these European styles, as exemplified by the very similar motifs found on the architectural members of the European palaces built by the Emperor Qianlong at Yuanmingyuan, which the Chinese artist has here superbly translated into the classic, highly prized zitan.