Carved Red Lacquer Mirror with Phoenix and Figural Panels

A tall carved mirror in the Southern Chinese tradition, worked in red and gilt lacquer over a dark ground and reading in carved registers down its length. Panels of peaches for longevity and a phoenix among lotus sit above pierced ruyi-scroll spandrels that frame a bevelled mirror plate, with a figural scene of robed scholars beneath a tree carved at the base. Deep figural carving of this kind, in the Teochew manner, once dressed the beds and reception halls of Chaozhou and Straits Chinese homes, and here a carved section has been fitted with a mirror so it hangs as functional wall art. The gilt has worn back over long years to the wood and dark ground, the kind of soft, broken patina no new finish imitates. At 139 cm it makes a genuine statement in an entryway, over a console, or on any wall with the height to carry it, and it keeps natural company with our other Teochew carved pieces. Please read the condition notes: this is an honest old piece with worn gilt and lacquer, offered accordingly.

Estimated delivery: SGD 60

Delivery is arranged islandwide and quoted separately. Full condition notes are provided for every piece.