19th C. Chinese Reverse Glass Painting w/ Courtesan

East Asia, China, late 19th to early 20th century. A large reverse glass painting of the meirenhua (paintings of beauties) genre, featuring a courtesan wearing traditional dress and also adorned with bangle bracelets and hair ornaments in her fancy coiffure. The woman sits at a table while gesturing with her hands toward floral arrangements on the floor. She also appears to be reading a book on the table beside her, which is also furnished with scrolls, storage containers, and another elaborate botanical arrangement. Behind the courtesan, two fish swim in an aquarium, and in front of the table is a petite plant stand with branches for legs. Beginning in the 18th century, Chinese glass paintings like this example were especially coveted by the British who found the brilliant colors to be exceedingly fashionable. Interestingly, in this painting, the rendering of the tile floor in linear perspective reveals that the Chinese were also influenced by western artistic techniques. A lovely and large example, set in an attractive frame. Size of painting: 25.75" L x 17.75" W (65.4 cm x 45.1 cm) Size of frame: 27.75" L x 20.125" W (70.5 cm x 51.1 cm)

Provenance: private Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA collection

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#161979
Condition Report: Painting has not been examined outside the frame but appears to be in very good condition save a few scuffs and stains. There is a red chop on the lower right corner. Frame has small losses to interior frame molding and minor surface wear, but is otherwise very good. There is a Chinese stamp, perhaps an export stamp, on the verso.