Antique Chinese Qing Dynasty Large Reverse Glass Art Painting Wood Framed 34x22"

$1,108.00
$1,108.00 $1,900.00
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Product description
Title: Antique Chinese Qing Dynasty Reverse Glass Art Painting in Original Large Wood Frame at 34"x22"

About the Painting:
  • Scene Depicted: This piece shows what appears to be an educational scene, with children in colorful attire engaging in playful activities around an elephant creation. The building’s interior, including the use of red columns and decorative screens, aligns with traditional Chinese architecture. The presence of adults, likely teachers or caretakers, suggests a formal or educational setting. The elaborate decoration and vibrant colors also signify wealth or an important occasion.
Symbolism:
  • Children: In Chinese culture, images of children, especially playing, are often associated with prosperity, happiness, and the continuation of the family line.
  • Elephant: The elephant symbolizes peace and prosperity. It’s often depicted in Chinese art to represent power, strength, and good luck, especially when shown in a calm, domestic setting like this.
  • Interior Layout: The decoration style and furnishing, such as hanging scrolls and delicate woodwork, are typical of fancier traditional Chinese houses or educational halls.
Given the frame, dowels, and thin protective paper as backing, the piece is likely late Qing dynasty (mid-to-late 1800s to early 1900s), possibly created for export. Chinese reverse glass paintings from this era are highly sought after due to their historical significance, craftsmanship, and dwindling availability.

Wooden Frame and Rectangular Dowels:
  • Wooden frames and dowels were typical of older reverse glass paintings, especially those created in the late 19th century through the early 20th century. The use of dowels and wood backing suggests it wasn’t mass-produced but rather crafted by hand, likely in a small workshop.
  • The construction technique, including the wooden dowels and framing, is consistent with traditional methods used in Chinese reverse glass painting, particularly during the Qing dynasty and slightly after (from the 1800s to early 1900s).
Thin Paper Between Glass and Wood:
  • The thin paper shown between the glass and wood served as a protective layer to prevent friction or movement between the glass and the wooden back. This technique also points to an older piece. Many reverse glass paintings made for export markets during the late Qing dynasty used paper like this for preservation during shipping.

Size (34 inches tall x 22 inches wide):
  • The size is relatively large for most reverse glass paintings, which increases its decorative appeal and potential value. Larger works are generally more desirable, especially when well-preserved and detailed like this piece. These types of larger works were often intended for more formal display, either in homes of the wealthy or as export pieces for the European market, making them rare and valuable.
Prior Auction Results:
  • This work, placed into a more modern frame, had sold at auction in 2022 with 11 bids and a final price of $1,900.
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