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ID #SA1182197
FOR SALE
£365
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Good Chinese Painting on Glass Dignitary
For sale by Rams Head Antiques
for sale €427     $464
£365
Rams Head Antiques

Rams Head Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Sep 2014
Browse dealers 326 items
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Id #SA1182197
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Good Chinese Painting on Glass Dignitary

1900 - 1920
Description

This is a good early 20th century Chinese portrait of a noble dignitary painted in reverse on glass dating from around 1900.

The nobleman is depicted seated on a fine throne with symbolic dragons behind and further dragon designs to his wonderful gown.

This is in perfect condition and is set in its original timber frame with original backing and decorative brass hanger.

The painting is a nice size for display measuring 38 cms by 28 cms by 2 cms deep.

UK insured packing and delivery is £15

Date of Manufacture

Rams Head Antiques has dated this Chinese Reverse Glass Painting to the 1900s.

Independent Date Guide ID 09275379
Dealer's Item Date1900s
Sellingantiques Date1900s
Sellingantiques agingItem 95-140 years old
ResultsDates match
Why Sellingantiques dated this piece to THE 1900s:
Solid backboard secured with mortised wooden toggles: traditional Chinese framing method.
Darkened and dry surface to the rear timber: many decades of exposure.
Pierced brass hanger pinned to the top edge: original suspension fitting.
Fine linear brushwork reverse-painted directly on glass: hand craftsmanship before modern printing.

This Independent Date Guide was compiled by Sellingantiques using its own proprietary system. It works only from the photographs shown on this page and is never told the date the dealer has declared. It is a guide, not a guarantee of age, and occasional errors can occur.

Physical Dimensions
Height
38cm (14.96")
Width
28cm (11.02")
Depth
2cm (0.79")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1182197
Dealers Notes

Rams Head Antiques is a family business based in Wolsingham in Weardale where we have had shop premises for 28 years. The shop is generally open every Saturday from 11 am till 3 pm.

You are most welcome to visit the shop but please always check to confirm we are open before travelling. We have been in the antiques trade for well over thirty years now and stock a wide and varied range of antiques and decorative items specialising in carpets and Eastern and Oriental items as well as Georgian and Victorian furniture, mirrors, oil paintings, prints, ceramics and clocks.

We can arrange worldwide delivery on all the items we have in stock, please ask for an accurate quote.

Email:

We offer a full money back guarantee if you are not happy for whatever reason within a seven day period as long as the buyer pays for transportation costs.

Description
This is a good early 20th century Chinese portrait of a noble dignitary painted in reverse on glass dating from around 1900.
“
The nobleman is depicted seated on a fine throne with symbolic dragons behind and further dragon designs to his wonderful gown.
Rams Head Antiques
fig 1. Reverse glass painting depicting a seated Chinese dignitary on a dragon throne in ceremonial robes, encased in a dark hardwood frame with a brass hanger.
fig 1. Good Chinese Painting on Glass Dignitary

This is in perfect condition and is set in its original timber frame with original backing and decorative brass hanger.

The painting is a nice size for display measuring 38 cms by 28 cms by 2 cms deep.

UK insured packing and delivery is £15

Date of Manufacture

Rams Head Antiques has dated this Chinese Reverse Glass Painting to the 1900s.

Independent Date Report ID 09275379
Dealer's Item Date1900s
Sellingantiques dating1900s
Sellingantiques agingItem 95-140 years old
ResultsDates match
Why Sellingantiques dated this piece to the 1900s:
Solid backboard secured with mortised wooden toggles: traditional Chinese framing method.
Darkened and dry surface to the rear timber: many decades of exposure.
Pierced brass hanger pinned to the top edge: original suspension fitting.
Fine linear brushwork reverse-painted directly on glass: hand craftsmanship before modern printing.

This is an independent date report produced by Sellingantiques using its own proprietary system. The process uses the photographs shown on this page. The system is never told the date the dealer has declared. This report shows that the two dates corroborate.

Height
38cm (14.96")
Width
28cm (11.02")
Depth
2cm (0.79")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1182197
Rams Head Antiques
Rams Head Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Sep 2014
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Rams Head Antiques Profile Page

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Reverse glass painting depicting a seated Chinese dignitary on a dragon throne in ceremonial robes, encased in a dark hardwood frame with a brass hanger.
1 / 9
Archive I Reverse glass painting depicting a seated Chinese dignitary on a dragon throne in ceremonial robes, encased in a dark hardwood frame with a brass hanger.

Good Chinese Painting on Glass Dignitary

Archive II Reverse glass painting depicting a seated Chinese dignitary on a dragon throne in ceremonial robes, encased in a dark hardwood frame with a brass hanger. View II
Archive III Reverse glass painting depicting a seated Chinese dignitary on a dragon throne in ceremonial robes, encased in a dark hardwood frame with a brass hanger. View III
Archive IV Scale Reference for Reverse glass painting depicting a seated Chinese dignitary on a dragon throne in ceremonial robes, encased in a dark hardwood frame with a brass hanger.
Archive V Reverse glass painting depicting a seated Chinese dignitary on a dragon throne in ceremonial robes, encased in a dark hardwood frame with a brass hanger. View V
Archive VI Reverse glass painting depicting a seated Chinese dignitary on a dragon throne in ceremonial robes, encased in a dark hardwood frame with a brass hanger. View VI
Archive VII Reverse glass painting depicting a seated Chinese dignitary on a dragon throne in ceremonial robes, encased in a dark hardwood frame with a brass hanger. View VII
Archive VIII Reverse glass painting depicting a seated Chinese dignitary on a dragon throne in ceremonial robes, encased in a dark hardwood frame with a brass hanger. View VIII
Archive IX Reverse glass painting depicting a seated Chinese dignitary on a dragon throne in ceremonial robes, encased in a dark hardwood frame with a brass hanger. View IX
Enlarged Archival View
Rams Head Antiques

Rams Head Antiques
Telephone 07769 255 544
Location
Wolsingham
Weardale
Durham
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/ramsheadantiques
Verified Since Sep 2014
Items For Sale 326
Items Sold 4,346
Rams Head Antiques
Rams Head Antiques
Verified Since Sep 2014
View Dealer Info
Location: Wolsingham, Weardale, Durham, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/ramsheadantiques
Verified
Sep 2014
For Sale
326
Sold
4,346
Reverse glass painting depicting a seated Chinese dignitary on a dragon throne in ceremonial robes, encased in a dark hardwood frame with a brass hanger.
Good Chinese Painting On Glass Dignitary
Ref: SA1182197
Reverse glass painting depicting a seated Chinese dignitary on a dragon throne in ceremonial robes, encased in a dark hardwood frame with a brass hanger.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Detail View 7
Scale Reference
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectReverse Glass Paintings
  • Period1900 - 1920
  • StyleQing Dynasty
  • MaterialGlass, Wood, Paint, Brass
  • ColourGold and Brown
  • MotifsDragon throne, Court robes, Mandarin collar, Cloud scrolls
  • SizeH 38 cm (15 in) x W 28 cm (11 in) x D 2 cm (1 in)

This reverse glass painting dates from the Qing Dynasty period around 1900 and depicts a noble Chinese dignitary wearing ceremonial robes on a dragon throne. The artwork uses gold and brown pigments behind glass, showing detailed court robes, cloud scrolls, and a Mandarin collar beneath white dragons and dark painted background foliage. The portrait is housed in an original timber frame with visible dark wood grain, set against a backing, and fitted with an ornate brass hanger at the top. The entire piece measures 38 cm high by 28 cm wide by 2 cm deep. In a modern interior, this framed artwork suits display in a gentleman's library or study, positioned securely on a wall such as above a sideboard. The piece hangs easily from its brass attachment and brings traditional Asian decorative motifs into a domestic setting without requiring complex installation.

FAQs

Reverse glass painting gained popularity in China during the 18th century after European glassmaking techniques and trade influences entered the Qing court. Chinese artists adapted the technique to paint portraits, mythological scenes, and landscapes on the back of glass panes for export and elite patronage.

These works are created using mineral pigments or oil paints applied directly onto the reverse side of a glass sheet in layered order, starting with highlights and fine details. They are typically framed in native Chinese hardwoods, such as zitan or hualimu, and fitted with brass mounting hardware.

Authentic pieces feature signs of hand-blown glass, including natural bubbles or subtle variations in glass thickness. The brushwork follows traditional Chinese portraiture conventions, and period frames show hand-carved joinery alongside natural oxidisation on the brass fixings.

Hang the piece as a focal point above a console table or mantle, allowing the framed artwork to contrast against neutral wall tones. Pairing it with contemporary furniture creates a balanced blend of traditional Asian heritage and modern minimalism.

Display the framed artwork away from direct sunlight and high humidity to prevent paint flaking or seal degradation. Clean the front glass surface gently using a dry, soft microfibre cloth without liquid sprays or harsh chemical solvents.
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