Chinoiserie Chippendale Gilt, Hand Carved Wood Mirror with Pagoda, Bells & Birds


Chinoiserie Chippendale Gilt, Hand Carved Wood Mirror with Pagoda, Bells & Birds

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Chinoiserie Chippendale Gilt, Hand Carved Wood Mirror with Pagoda, Bells & Birds:
$2750.00


This mirror is a true scene stealer-- fancifully sculpted with a pair of open-winged ho-ho birds perched on each side, and topped with a large pagoda, complete with 3 bells and its own mirror. Scrolling and foliage motifs abound.I bought this magnificent beauty at an estate sale so I don\'t know its provenance, but judging from the ornate wood carving, the gilding, the age of the mirrors and the old wood backing, I believe it dates back to the early 1800s. I\'ve tried to represent its true condition and value with my photos and description. Please feel free to ask for more photos, if desired.When I came into possession of this mirror, the birds\' wings had been broken off, but all the pieces were there, and there was flaking and cracking in the gilt surface. After consulting with a gilt frame restoration expert, I repaired the birds and touched up the gilding with matching metallic gold enamel paint and then I gave the entire mirror a coat of shellac to prevent further loss of gilding. Since I\'m an artist/painter, I wasn\'t afraid to do the work and even enjoyed it. All repair and restoration has been performed with a light, conservative touch, with an eye to maintaining the beautiful patina, dignity and character that comes with age. The repairs are not noticeable with the mirror hanging.On the back of the mirror, a section of the wood backing was sometime earlier replaced with newer wood and the brads holding the mirror backing board are obviously more modern than the original frame. There are several rather large old holes along the lower back sides. The larger mirror has clouding, old scratches, light streaking and its surface is wavy-- all indicative of old age, but I think it is not as old as the frame. I suspect it was replaced when the back was removed (described above-- newer wood, etc...) The upper, pagoda mirror is a bit sparkly in photos, which would be characteristic of a mercury-tin amalgam backed mirror and I think it is probably original to the frame. Both mirrors reflect a bluish tone-- not clear, as with modern glass.The frame measures 52\" tall x 35\" wide to the ends of the birds\' tails. The lower mirror measures 18\" x 29\" inside the frame.This elaborate, show stopping mirror is a fragile antique, quite heavy, and I dare not ship it. It may be picked up by you, the buyer, or by a hired shipper of your choice. Pick up or hired shipping is the responsibility of the buyer to arrange and hire. All packing and crating must be done by an insured shipping company. Two Richmond companies which perform this service are UPS at Staples Mill Road (804-266-3477) and Craters & Freighters of Richmond (877-744-7496). When using a company of your choice, be sure they will properly package for shipping and that the item will be insured. When shippers pick up on the buyer\'s behalf, the item being removed must be confirmed and its condition at the time of pick up verified and reported.

Chinoiserie Chippendale Gilt, Hand Carved Wood Mirror with Pagoda, Bells & Birds:
$2750.00

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