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Qing Dynasty Reverse Glass Work - Three Figures with Peacock Fans
Qing Dynasty Reverse Glass Work - Three Figures with Peacock Fans
Qing Dynasty Reverse Glass Work - Three Figures with Peacock Fans
Qing Dynasty Reverse Glass Work - Three Figures with Peacock Fans
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Qing Dynasty Reverse Glass Work - Three Figures with Peacock Fans

  • This unique work is a stunning display of artistry and a demonstration of cross-cultural exchange
  • Glass takes the place of canvas in this Qing Dynasty reverse glass painting
  • This tranquil composition features three figures holding Peacock fans
  • Spurred by the Jesuit missionaries and fueled by trade, reverse glass works became prized exports
  • Get complete item description here
Item No. 31-6151

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Description
Glass takes the place of canvas in this Qing Dynasty reverse glass painting dating to the early 19th century. This intricate painting features three figures dressed in elaborately detailed textiles. The composition is bisected by a paneled roof and swirling cloud-like designs, with a peaceful landscape appearing in the distance. The figures raise large plumed peacock fans that cross each other to create graceful symmetry. In Chinese reverse glass works, artists painstakingly applied painted layers. . .
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Glass takes the place of canvas in this Qing Dynasty reverse glass painting dating to the early 19th century. This intricate painting features three figures dressed in elaborately detailed textiles. The composition is bisected by a paneled roof and swirling cloud-like designs, with a peaceful landscape appearing in the distance. The figures raise large plumed peacock fans that cross each other to create graceful symmetry. In Chinese reverse glass works, 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 that it required, highly detailed examples such as this are only rarely found.

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 - Three Figures with Peacock Fans
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 - Three Figures with Peacock Fans
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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The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

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M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private collections; many are fresh to the market. Founded on Bill Rau’s expertise in the field, our specialisms range from Old Master pictures to Modern Art masterpieces. We regularly exhibit Dutch, Flemish, and Italian Old Masters, Academic, Orientalist, Barbizon, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Maritime & Sporting, British Neoclassical and American Illustration.

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For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses an extraordinary collection of fine jewels to satisfy the most discerning collector. Stunning creations by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe are offered alongside extreme rarities such as vivid yellow, pink and blue diamonds, coveted Burma and Kashmir sapphires and elusive Golconda diamonds prized for their fire and perfection. Iconic jewels from the Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Victorian periods round out the collection.

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Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

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