Images(2)

Looking glass

Date1730-1740

OriginAmerica, New York or England

MediumRed pine, spruce, gesso, gilt, lacquer, and glass

DimensionsOH: 3' 7 1/2"; OW: 1' 6 1/4"; OD: 1 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1964-267

DescriptionArched and scrolled cresting; frame ogival at top, square at base. Beveled glass original. Japanning consists of predominantly black ground; edges of cresting outlined in gilt; corners of frame gilt and cross-hatched in black; raised, gessoed and gilt flowers and figures in center of cresting at top, sides and base of frame.
Label TextThis japanned looking glass is a copy of an American example, probably made in New York City about 1735. The beveled glass is surrounded by a simple frame with molded edges, squared off at the bottom and ogival in shape at the top. It is surmounted by an arched and scrolled cresting. The decoration consists of raised gesso and gilt Chinoiserie figures and flowers on a black lacquer ground.
MarkingsNone found
ProvenanceThis piece is one of a large number of chattels acquired en masse from now-deceased member of Glen-Sanders family in Scotia, New York. Contents of Glen-Sanders homestead were sold to C.W. in 1964. Specific history is unknown. Many looking glasses are listed in family inventories and early documents, but none refer to a japanned one. A number of looking glasses were sold in New York by the merchants Robert and Richard Ray. These items were probably intended for re-sale by the Sanders firm, although it is possible that some were kept for use at home. Possibly 1964-267 was one of them.