This large size horizontal elmwood mirror is made of a 19th century lacquered carving originally part of wedding bed. This delicate carving now adorns a clear mirror that beautifully highlights its decorative aspect. The carving, showing a nice antique polychrome, is skilfully carved with typical Chinese motifs such as plants, berries and scrolls. In the upper section, a fan-shaped cartouche features a pleasant scene with Chinese characters, probably people of letters, drinking tea under bamboos. In the top corners, two other scenes depict a person of letters with an assistant.
The carving is magnificently lacquered in its original red and dark brown, which enhances the scenes. This uncommon mirror would be a beautiful decorative item in most homes, maybe above a bed, as it was originally used, or in a den above a sofa.
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