German mirror in polychrome lacquer
A large rectangular mirror in lacquer, with a pediment decorated with scenes of Japanese inspiration. It is decorated with garlands, birds, figures, grid patterns and reserves in red and gold lacquer on a black and blue-green background.
The pediment is topped by a shell in the middle, with a reserve beneath it portraying a scene of musicians. The corners are adorned with arabesques and grid patterns.
Period: Berlin, circa 1725
Attributed to the circles of Gerhard Dagly (active in Berlin until 1713)
Gerhard Dagly became famous around the 1680s as the Kammerkünstler of Frederick William, Prince Elector of Brandenburg (died in 1715).
Dagly became the Intendant of Ornaments at the court of Frederick III, Prince Elector of Brandenbourg, who subsequently became Frederick Ist of Prussia.
Gerhard Dagly and his brother Jacques supplied Frederick 1st and his court with furniture of an outstanding quality reflecting the prevailing taste for the Japanese style.
GERMAN MIRROR IN POLYCHROME LACQUER (contd)
Bibliography:
• W. Holzhausen , Lackkunst in Europa, Munich, 1982, pp. 198-199, fig. 146-147, illustrates a jardinière by Gerhard Dagly decorated in the same spirit.
• H. Huth, Lacquer Work by Gerhard Dagly, Connoisseur, vol.95, 1935, p. 14)
Size:
Height 165 cm. 65 in.
Width 109 cm. 43 in.