Gilt Bronze And Enamel Dressing Table Mirror Circa 1920

Dressing table mirror
China, circa 1920
Gilt bronze and cloisonné enamel
Dimensions: 56 × 41 × 28 cm

This gilded bronze dressing table mirror is richly decorated with cloisonné enamel, a traditional Chinese technique of delineating patterns with fine metal wires, then filled with brightly colored enamels.
The mirror, which can be tilted, is framed by a finely carved structure. It features a central decoration of a bird perched on an almond branch, executed with wheelwork that lends relief and depth to the whole. The side arms supporting the mirror are adorned with ormolu rooster heads, adding both a decorative and symbolic dimension.
The ensemble is distinguished by an exuberant and abundant decoration, blending various plant motifs such as lotus leaves, tendrils and banana leaves, testifying to the taste for rich, naturalistic ornamentation characteristic of this period.