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MACKINNON FINE FURNITURE
A GEORGE I GREEN JAPANNED DRESSING MIRROR In the manner of John Belchier England, circa 1720 A very rare George I green japanned dressing mirror. Of grand proportions, the adjustable arched bevelled mirror plate supported by turned finial mounted pilasters, above a bombé base section with a fall front opening to reveal a suede writing-surface and a variety of drawers and pigeon-holes, above a curved deep drawer fitted with open compartments. Standing on small stylised cushion feet. Extremely finely decorated throughout with wonderful gilt chinoiseries on a dark green ground. Height: 35 in (89 cm) Width: 19 in (48.5 cm) Depth: 12¼ in (31 cm)
Provenance Partridge Fine Art, New Bond St., London The fashion for japanning arose in England following the publication of John Stalker and George Parker’s publication, A Treatise on Japanning and Varnishing, in 1688. This guide offered a thorough description of the japanning technique as well as decorative schemes to use. There were recipes and instructions on how to make japanned varnishes in a variety of colours, including green, white, blue, red, chestnut, lapis lazuli, and tortoiseshell hues.
J. Stalker and G. Parker, A Treatise of Japanning and Varnishing, Oxford, 1688, pl. 18.
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