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The ingenious device comprises a carved box that encloses a large circular mirror. The wood is carved in relief with pavilions in a mountainous landscape amongst clouds and rivers above water around the base. The pavilions are carved with two peep holes containing mirrors refecting two scenes made up from painted shelves on the reverse that are arranged to create a sense of perspective in two columns of fve, one depicting fgures in a European street, the other fgures in boats on a lake. The upper part of the glazed back is painted in reverse with terraced pavilions in a river landscape.
31.125 in. (79 cm.) high; 22 in. (56 cm.) wide; 8.75 in. (22 cm.) deep
£15,000-25,000
A similar ‘curiosity’ mirror was ofered at Christie’s London, 15 May 2007, lot 34.
At frst glance this exceptionally rare item appears to be an intricately carved dark wood cabinet with a round mirror on the front. The elaborate, high relief, carving, which depicts buildings, waves and clouds, is reminiscent of the well-carved furniture that was sent from Guangdong as tribute to the court in the 18th century. Closer inspection of the buildings in the upper quarter of the piece, however, reveals that two moon-shaped ‘windows’ are in fact glazed, and invite the viewer to look inside. On looking through the left window the viewer sees a stage with fgures in European dress, an arch and several sets of wings, which give an appearance of recession to the scene. The right window encloses European fgures in rowing boats and sailing vessels, all set up to create a sense of depth.
From the back of the cabinet it is possible to see the fve layers of scenery. The impression when looking through the ‘windows’ in the front of the cabinet is of seeing a miniature version of an 18th century theatre - of the kind that has survived to this day in a few European palaces, such as Ludwigsburger Castle near Stuttgart in Germany. The whole construction of this viewing cabinet has been beautifully crafted to give full efect to the optical illusion it ofers the viewer, and must have delighted its intended recipient.
清十九世紀 沉香木雕海水樓閣紋萬花鏡