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Qing Dynasty Reverse Glass Work - Four Figures in Procession
Qing Dynasty Reverse Glass Work - Four Figures in Procession
Qing Dynasty Reverse Glass Work - Four Figures in Procession
Qing Dynasty Reverse Glass Work - Four Figures in Procession
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Qing Dynasty Reverse Glass Work - Four Figures in Procession

  • Glass takes the place of canvas in this Qing Dynasty reverse glass painting featuring four figures
  • Spurred by the Jesuit missionaries and fueled by trade, reverse glass works became prized exports
  • This unique work is a stunning display of artistry and a demonstration of cross-cultural exchange
  • Get complete item description here
$18,850
Item No. 31-6150

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Description
Qing Dynasty Reverse Glass Work
Chinese | Circa 1800
 Four Figures in Procession/em>
Oil on glass

This dynamic composition features four figures in procession, each dressed in unique, elaborately-detailed textiles with the white-bearded figure clutching a cup of tea. In Chinese reverse glass works, glass takes the place of canvas. Artists painstakingly applied painted layers to the glass in reverse, with the top layer painted first and the background last. These paintings. . .
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Qing Dynasty Reverse Glass Work
Chinese | Circa 1800
 Four Figures in Procession/em>
Oil on glass

This dynamic composition features four figures in procession, each dressed in unique, elaborately-detailed textiles with the white-bearded figure clutching a cup of tea. In Chinese reverse glass works, glass takes the place of canvas. Artists painstakingly applied painted layers to the glass in reverse, with the top layer painted first and the background last. These paintings are viewed in reflected light, revealing an impressive gloss, luminosity and depth of color unattainable with other painting techniques. Due to the complexity of the process and the high level of artistic skill required, highly detailed examples such as this are exceptionally rare.

The art of reverse glass painting came to China from Europe in the seventeenth century. Spurred by the Jesuit missionary project and fueled by general international trade, reverse glass works became highly desirable export items. These paintings were not only the prized possession of wealthy European families in the 18th and 19th centuries, but also of the Imperial Court. Today, historical reverse glass paintings reside at the Forbidden City emperor’s palace in Beijing. This exquisite painting, complemented by an ornate chinoiserie frame, is a stunning achievement in artistry and also an amazing relic of international luxury trade in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Glass: 21 3/8" high x 9" wide
Frame: 24 5/8" high x 12 1/4" wide
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Qing Dynasty Reverse Glass Work - Four Figures in Procession
Period: 19th Century
Origin: China
Type: Other
Depth: 2.0 in. (5.08 cm)
Width: 12.25 in. (31.12 cm)
Height: 24.63 in. (62.55 cm)
Canvas Width: 9.000 in. (22.86 cm)
Canvas Height: 21.375 in. (54.29 cm)
Qing Dynasty Reverse Glass Work - Four Figures in Procession
East Meets West: Chinese Export Porcelain and the Rose Medallion Pattern

At once aesthetically beautiful and thought provoking, Chinese porcelain encompasses an unparalleled history of development and desire. Up until the 16th century, the Chinese were the only ones who could perfect the creation,...

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Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

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