Images(5)

Dressing glass

Date1700-1727

OriginEngland

MediumDeal, beech, paint, gilding, brass, glass, mercury-tin amalgam silvering

DimensionsOH: 33"; OW: 17 1/2"; Depth (closed): 10 3/4"; Depth (open): 16"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1951-26

DescriptionDressing glass on miniature desk; ogee moulded Queen Anne frame enclosing original looking glass, which is cut to conform with the moulding. The frame is Japanned black with decoration in gold consisting of flowers, cross-hatching and a Chinese figure holding a lantern on either side. The frame is supported between two turned balluster and blocked uprights with pointed ball finials by two brass screws with ring drops (one on each side) which allow the mirror to swing. The uprights are Japanned in black with faded gold decoration of flowers and leaves and are attached to a rectangular case with a slant lid which has butt hinges and is supported by two slides or lopers (one on either side) terminating in front with turned wooden pulls. The lid has a brass escutcheon at top center and a corresponding brass lock on the inside. The lid encloses a desk interior with steped interior of five drawers, two at either side, (one above the other) and one long drawer at center with three pigeon holes above. The fronts of the drawers are blocked and cut in concave form; they have brass pulls, lined with deal and Japanned red on the inside. The interior is Japanned in black with gold decoration of flowers, trees, and houses on the drawer fronts. Below the lid is one long drawer divided into three blocked sections separated by two concave sections, each blocked section has an arched concave section in center. The base of the drawer has an applied moulding which conforms to the shape of the rest of the drawer. The drawer is Japanned in black and decorated in gold with flowers in each arched concave section, with flowers and a bird in the left large concave section and a bird and tree form in the right large concave section, the center arched top concave section contains an oval brass escutcheon, (corresponding lock for the inside missing). The interior of the drawer is lined with deal and divided into eight compartments of varying size, one compartment contains a removable tray and the partitions forming the back two compartments have the top outline cut in a cupids bow form, the interior is Japanned red. The sides of the exterior are straight with a conforming applied moulding at base. The case is supported on four ball feet. The entire case, excepting the back which is deal, is Japanned black with gold decoration. The rectangular top has Asian figures, one with an umbrella, a woman with a fan and a house. The lid has several houses to the left and a group of Asian figures to the right, one figure in a rickshaw with umbrella, another pulling the rickshaw and another kneeling before the rickshaw with the hands outstretched holding a pillow on which there is a vase. The left side of the case has flower decoration and the right side has a house with trees and water.
MarkingsNone