An Italian red lacquer faux tortoiseshell and parcel-gilt chinoiserie mirror, Venetian mid 18th century

of rectangular form with a cushion moulded frame decorated with chinoiserie figures and scrolling foliage within a double border of giltwood ribbons; some minor retouching to lacquer

In overall good conserved condition. Colours slightly darker overall. The detail to the lacqured figures is charming however there are some losses to the gilt decoration and the faux tortoiseshell lacquer. There has also been some touching up in places with gilt paint which would benefit from some attention. There is some very minor surface dirt on the carved gilding borders which can easily be cleaned off. There is a very minor chip to the bottom edge and to the carved gitwood border on teh same side but this is hardly noticeable. Construction cracks at joints commensurate with age which can be filled or left.
"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."

Comparative Literature:
Clara Santini, Le Lacche dei Veneziani, Oggetti d'uso quotidiano nella Venezia del Settecento, Milan, MMIII.
G. Morrazzoni, Il Mobile Veneziano del Settecento, Tav. CCXXXIX  and Tav  CCXL.

This mirror is unusual due to the red background being in imitation of tortoiseshell as Venetian mirrors are more commonly painted to simulate walnut. It is decorated with chinoiserie figures to reflect the Venetian passion for chinoiseries in imitation of the lacquerware imported from the Far East. Santini illustrates op. cit.,p. 75, fig. 4, a mirror with a painted red ground to simulate tortoiseshell with yellow reserves of chinoiserie figures very similar to those upon this mirror (Collection Sergio Borroli, Venice). See Morrazzoni op. cit., Tav. CCXXXIX,  for a chinoiserie mirror conceived in a similar vein witrh a cresting (formerly collection signora Nella Longari) and Tav. CCXL (formerly collection prof. Elio Quaglino).

A Venetian mid 18th century red lacquer mirror in arte povera with European figures, was sold from the Estate of the late Giuseppe Rossi, Vol. I, 10th March 1999, Vol. I, lot 123 (£70,000).