A FINE CHIPPENDALE CARVED GILTWOOD PAGODA-TOP WALL MIRROR

English, circa 1775

With early silvered plate glass, surmounted by an Orientalist figure with a hawk beneath a pagoda

57 3/8" H x 28" W x 3 1/2" D

A remarkable example of the influence of "Orientalism" on the Chippendale period, this fine carved giltwood mirror features a crest surmounted by an architectural pagoda canopy with small hanging "bells" over a seated carved figure raising his hawk in hand under an umbrella. The supports of the pagoda flow outward in a thin pierced display of acanthus foliate, the very top of the crest a collection of oak leaves and acorns falling over and behind the pagoda into sprigs of carved laurel-leaf swags. The rectangular silvered plate is framed by an inner border bead molding and a carved foliate guilloche primary molding, this with paired leaves flanking a central stem punctuated by rosette motifs.

The carving is crisp but restrained, the ornament applied as a clear framing device rather than dissolving into the surface. The overall composition balances symmetry and graphic clarity with only subtle exotic motifs drawn to evoke the underlying Chinoiserie style.

The reverse has remnants of a 19th-century French miroitier trade label, likely indicating later re-silvering or restoration undertaken in France or perhaps its later resale in Paris.

Condition: Old plate glass, probably not original: silvering loss throughout the mirror, an overall pleasant "smoky" appearance to the glass. Crest with two added braces verso. Extensive wear and flaking to the gilding, much of this original and well-maintained. Very fine. Ready to place.

ref. 512PJT18E