19th Century Chinese Export Reverse Glass Painting

An exquisite 19th century Qing dynasty Chinese export reverse glass picture, decorated with scene of court figures at leisure on a terrace, in its original frame,

Canton, China, mid-19th century.

Why we like it

The delicacy of detail and brilliance of colours on this glass painting is simply astonishing: the figures almost look animated, as if they were a cartoon on your iPad. Even more so, when you realize that this picture is 150+ years old. Rare find in this superb condition, too.

Measures

13¼ x 19¼ in. (34.3 x 49 cm.) 

The reverse has a 19th century pencil inscription, that suggests this picture was a gift to Mrs Rozger from another lady whose name is indistinct.

For closely related examples, possibly from the same set, please, see Christie's, "Un hôtel particulier du Faubourg Saint-Germain. The Collection of The Marquis and Marquise de Ravenel", London, 21 - 22 November, 2007, (£6,250).