Hello Olivia,

I’m very glad that you chose Mearto for your online appraisal,

Considering the photographs, overall pattern, writings and the colours, I concluded that this is a Reverse Glass Painting Portrait of the Taizong Empress of the Song Dynasty. The Empress was the consort of the Taizong Emperor of the Song Dynasty in 10th Century. These pieces are of course produced more than a thousand years after their lifetimes. Reverse glass paintimgs were very famous around the world in the Middle Ages and Chinese had very important reverse glass paintings from 18th century, likely it was the pinnacle period of the art. Of course in the mid and late 20th century these pieces were heavily reproduced. Your piece dates back to mid-century, between 1940-1960. Although it is a Song Dynasty Empress depicted in the portrait the general style is very much alike the later Qing Dynasty. This is a clear sign that the piece was not payed enough attention during the production process. This painting technique was heavily used because it did not needed a protection from the outer sourcces as the painting is on the other side of the glass, very practical solution to the proctection problem of paintings. In good condition.

Entirely hand painted.

Dimensions: 20 Inches by 30 Inches

Condition: In good conditon without damages.

Provenance: Purchased from an estate sale.

Qing Dynasty style.

80-120$.

Please don’t hesitate to reach us again for more online appraisals on your precious items, thank you for choosing Mearto.