Rare Large Gabriel Viardot French Japonisme Dragon Mirror with Cherub

A Very Large and Rare Aesthetic Movement French Japonisme 19th Century Carved Mahogany Dragon Mirror with Cherub, Gabriel Viardot (1830-1906).

France circa 1880.

A stunning example of Gabriel Viardot’s work, surmounted by an iconic carved dragon mid-flight at full wing span, grasping the original bevelled edge mirror plate, above a rarely seen affixed cherub with spear to the bottom righthand corner.

In excellent original condition having a warm natural colour, the original glass plate having a small amount of tarnishing which can be seen in the image against a grey background but not noticeable or prominent when in situ.

This mirror by Gabriel Viardot is signed to the verso and has to be one of the best examples I have seen along with the imposing scale and carving on this piece being exceptional. The signature to the verso is definitely in Viardot style but hard to authenticate and could possibly be later.

What looks to be old inventory label is also visible to the rear showing this was possibly hung in a Hotel in Venice, Hotel Bottacin Venise.

Japonisme is a French term coined in the late nineteenth century to describe the craze for Japanese art and design in the West, Gabriel Viardot was at the forefront of this movement.

Gabriel Viardot career began as a wood carver and succeeded his fathers business in 1861.

He produced small furniture with sculpturally carved naturalistic motifs and animals which where well received in the 1855 Exposition Universelle in Paris. Soon however the increasing importation of similar pieces produced by the Swiss and German found less demand for his goods.

Being an innovator Viardot decided to change his fathers business model and in around 1870 turned to producing “Meubles genre Chinois et Japonais” - Furniture of Chinese and Japanese Style.

Now Chinese style had been widely in vogue in Europe for several centuries, but Viardot looked even farther East—to Japan, to be precise. After its forced opening, the archipelago poured shiploads of creations into the West which developed a passion for them.

The Universal Exhibitions of the second half of the 19th century played their part as well. The term was even invented and took root: Japonism. Many were the collectors, writers, dandies, critics and artists who adopted it with delight with Vairdot being the Leader of this movement.

As the taste in Europe for such pieces was well established and after having won four medals at the Paris Universal Exhibition of 1867, Viardot was awarded a silver medal at the 1878 Universal Exhibition in Paris. He was also awarded gold medals several times : Universal Exhibitions in Anvers (Belgium) in 1884, and again in Paris in 1889 and 1900.

Success crowned every appearance, and in 1887, the Revue des Arts Décoratifs praised his work as follows: "Mr. G. Viardot, having swept up every possible award, continues to elicit acclaim. The pieces he exhibits are of a finish and craftsmanship that readily account for their widespread success." And now he is coming to seek a triumph at auction. And surely the carved dragon he summoned—a mythical being of good omen in Asia—will bring him yet another victory.

Dimensions

Width 42 inches - 107cm

Height 55 inches - 140cm

Depth 8 1/2 inches - 21.5cm

Loveday Antiques is a family run business originally established since 1969 in London.

Now in its second generation, Loveday Antiques specialises in an eclectic mix of 18th to 20th Century European furniture and works of art, with a strong emphasis on quality, uniqueness and colour.

As proud members of BADA & LAPADA, the largest association for professional art and antique dealers in the United Kingdom and members of CINOA, the worldwide association for antique dealers you can buy from us with 100% confidence and reassurance as we are committed to upholding and abiding by the strict standards of each association.

Our clients can rest assured that each item is as described and photographed.

All Items are sold with 100% satisfaction 14 day money back guarantee, return delivery will be charged for.

We deliver within the UK for usually between £60-£80 and ship worldwide with professional bespoke crating via air to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.

Delivery within the mainland UK will usually be with 7 to 14 days but please allow up to 28 days. We also ship worldwide with a professional bespoke crating service and large International couriers via air and sea to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.

GOODS

All items listed are in excellent condition having been restored using traditional methods by experienced cabinet makers and polishers keeping the original colour and patina wherever possible.

Please bear in mind you may find the usual markings with antique furniture that are commensurate with age which all add to beauty and uniqueness of the item.

VIEWINGS

We have a reputation for being long established antique dealers in London having had showrooms concurrently running in Islington, Chelsea and Ascot. We have relocated our new showroom, due to London overheads, easily reached between A1 or A10 to just outside of Hertford, Hertfordshire.

We will happily arrange for clients to be collected travelling via train. Local stations being Hertford North, Stevenage and Ware, all being a 10 minute drive from us.

Please contact us for location and appointments.

Telephone: 01438 869 819

Payments accepted are Bank Transfer, Cheque, Major Credit Cards or Cash.

Opening Times

Monday to Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm Please email or call beforehand to make an appointment.

If outside of these times again please call to make an appointment

We have more than 40 years experience in supplying Antique furniture to the trade, public and interior designers from all parts of the world so please buy with confidence as we have passed the test of time.