A CLOISONNÉ MIRROR WITH A REVERSE-GLASS PAINTING QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

of lobed rectangular form, the reverse with a transparent glass painted with leafy branches of rose and magnolia against a background of ultramarine blue, all framed within a cloisonné border of continuous floral scrolls reserved on a light blue ground, all supported on a gilt-bronze foliate sprig of stylised lotus in openwork, rising from a cloisonné handle similarly decorated with ruyi-head motifs, between ribbed and undecorated gilt-bronze bulbs

There are some losses to the painting, especially to the leaves and stems in light blue enamels, but most of the enamelling on the flowers is well preserved. There is an approximately 1.5 cm opening to the backing paper on the bottom right corner of the painting. The cloisonné areas have some losses, crackles, and burst air bubbles (especially to the handle). There are two drilled holes without screws to the lower left corner of the mirror. There are also some typical tarnishing and dents to the bronze.
"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."

The present mirror is most elegant in its shape and decoration; a closely related example was sold in our London rooms, 29^th June 1976, lot 14. Compare Canton enamel hand mirrors of circular form and with similarly elaborate and French-inspired mounts, such as three included in the exhibition Chinese Painted Enamels from Private and Museum Collections, China House Gallery, New York, 1969, cat no. 66; and one from the S.D. Winkworth collection, included in the International Exhibition of Chinese Art, Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1935, cat. no. 2200, and sold twice in our London rooms, 28^th April 1938, lot 479, and 1^st November 1985, lot 301.  For a circular hand mirror mounted with jade and jadeite and a gilt bronze fitting, see one sold in these rooms, 8^th April 2010, lot 1811.