A Pair of George II Giltwood Mirrors†
After a Design by Thomas Johnson, Circa 1765
together with four Chinese blue and white porcelain pots from the Vung Tau Cargo.Height 51 3/8 x width 33 3/8 inches.
This lot is located in Chicago.

Provenance:
Hotspur Ltd., London, 21 January 1994 (with invoice)

Note:
The published designs of the Soho carver Thomas Johnson (1714-1778) were a seminal influence in disseminating the Rococo taste in England. Both Twelve Girandoles from 1750 and A New Book of Ornament in 1758 depict naturalistic, almost fanciful designs that often featured Chinamen and animals inspired by Aesop's Fables. Even the renowned cabinet-maker Thomas Chippendale paid homage to Johnson's creative genius as he credits him with several Rococo designs in the Third Edition of the Director. These mirrors closely correspond to the center design of a mirror illustrated on page 65 of One Hundred and Fifty New Designspublished in 1761 (reproduced here).

Although no specific documented commissions by Johnson have been found, he is known to have supplied mirrors in the early 1760s to Paul Methuen of Corsham Court, Wiltshire and the Duke of Atholl at Blair Castle, Perthshire.

One mirror with part of an old label reading "LORD F."†Condition reports are available upon request. All lots are sold "as is," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction. The physical condition of lots can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration. Prospective buyers are strongly advised to inspect a lot personally or through a knowledgeable representative prior to bidding. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. Prospective buyers must review and agree to the Conditions of Sale before participating in an auction, and it is the responsibility of the buyer to ensure that they have requested, received and considered any condition report.