Painted mirror / painting on glass “Traditional scene”, Qing Dynasty, circa 1870 – China Stunning Chinese painted mirror, or reverse painted mirror, originally from the Qing Dynasty, around the end of the 19th century. It depicts various traditional scenes following a vertical layout and narrative. Different scenes with symbolic and auspicious elements frame royal figures and their servants, all dressed in colorful traditional clothing, with a common theme: family, home, and happiness. Human figures appear in natural settings, as well as vegetation, mountains, pagodas, etc. In these types of paintings, human figures are usually outlined with fine black lines, then these outlines are filled with various colors and applied in different areas to form the details. The predominant colors in these types of paintings are: cinnabar, orpiment, lead white, azurite, malachite, lead red… all of them vibrant tones. After applying the colors, a thin layer of white paint is applied to form the background of the reverse of the painting (non-Chinese reverse glass paintings use black to intensify the colors). At the top, we find pagodas, typical buildings of Asian countries. Most of these buildings were built for religious purposes, as part of Buddhism and Taoism. Immediately after, an ox appears, an animal that symbolizes strength, prosperity, or connection with nature. Next to the ox, we find flying birds, which may represent freedom, and a couple of women with two children, wearing traditional costumes. On the lower level, two other figures: a man dressed in traditional costume and a reclining Buddha; in this case, a symbol of happiness, abundance, and prosperity. Finally, a group of sages. The one appearing on the deer is likely a Luohan, an enlightened being in Buddhism. The union between the deer and the sage symbolizes the pursuit of immortality and harmony with nature, as the deer is a symbol of longevity, good fortune, and prosperity. One notable element is the yin and yang symbols displayed on the man's suit on the left. The man on the right appears mounted on a palanquin or chariot. Also notable is the presence of clouds surrounding almost all of the figures, creating a divine or celestial setting. The clouds create an ethereal and dreamlike background, characteristic of celestial landscape depictions in traditional Asian art. The work is framed in a wooden frame with a bronze hanger that follows an oriental aesthetic. The Qing Dynasty (1644–1912) was the last imperial dynasty of China, ruled by the Manchus, an ethnic group originating in northeast China. This dynasty played a pivotal role in Chinese history, marking a period of great territorial expansion, cultural exchanges, and also internal and external challenges that ultimately led to the end of the imperial system. Tongzhi (1862–1875) was the regnal title of the Tongzhi Emperor, the tenth emperor of the Qing Dynasty. Her reign spans a brief but significant period in Chinese history, marked by attempts at modernization and the political influence of her mother, the powerful Empress Dowager Cixi. Support technique: Painted mirror / glass painting Title of the work: "Traditional Scene" Period: Qing Dynasty, 19th century Country of origin: China Good condition according to its age and use Total dimensions: 105 x 40 x 3 cm. Dimensions without frame: 99 x 34 cm. Shipping of the product will be paid by the buyer according to the dimensions, weight and destination. We will contact you to arrange it and agree on a quote. Shipping costs include custom-made professional packaging; and personalized shipping, with tracking number and guarantee. Due to the fragility of the piece, it is preferred to agree on shipping with the buyer. It will be decided whether a custom-made wooden box is recommended to guarantee its safety (prior quote) or personalized shipping. The frame that protects the work is offered as a gift, but it has value in itself. It is provided at no additional cost so that when your artwork arrives at your home or destination, it can be displayed immediately. Any damage to the frame itself, which does not affect the integrity of the artwork, cannot be accepted as a valid reason to open a claim or request a cancellation. The buyer will be responsible for paying any import duties and associated taxes in the destination country. Please note the seller's disclaimer of liability regarding possible customs charges, as these are levied in the destination country, and the amount due is determined by that country's customs office. If an export permit is required, the costs are borne by the buyer. The cost depends progressively on the value of the artwork to be exported.
Good condition according to its age and use
Specifications
ConditionGoodColorsBlue, Red, Multi Color, BlackMaterialGlassNumber of items1OrientationPortraitArt sizeLargeHeight105 cmWidth40 cm