A toilet mirror

Title
A toilet mirror
Year/Period
Late 19th-early 20th century
Region
China
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: H: 34,
x W: 19,
x D: 13 cm
Accession No.
2012-00201
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Kip Lee

This mirror consists of a rectangular plate in a moulded frame, decorated with scrolling foliage interspersed with birds. Four Chinese-style fish act as the feet of the mirror. The swivelling mirror is bordered by a scrolling foliage pattern, highlighted with enamel. The foliage pattern is continued on the reverse in filigree, which features enamelled four spandrels and a central medallion.Toilet mirrors were made in China for ladies dressing table toilet set or as decorative articles. The royalty and aristocracy of Europe and Russia purchased silver filigree toilet set from the 16th to 18th century, which were often presented as wedding gifts. The main item was the mirror, with pieces of a toilet set arranged around it. From the 17th-18th century Chinoiserie was in vogue and many of the great houses of Europe placed orders for oriental silverware from Chinese silversmiths, known for their accomplished workmanship and low labour costs.