A George III Giltwood Mirror in the Manner of Thomas Johnson
circa 1760
Sold
Request Information
Follow Us
A George III Giltwood Mirror in the Manner of Thomas Johnson
An early George III carved giltwood mirror in the manner of Thomas Johnson, circa 1760.
The period mercury mirror plate within a moulded fluted frame is flanked by cascading native flora. The carved upper C-scroll corners are pierced and surmounted by a further scroll which seamlessly flows into the pediment of C-scrolls and flora centred by a rose. Similarly, the lower of the mirror is edged with large scrolls of dripping acanthus leaves and C-scrolls all flowing to central cartouche.
It should be noted that this example is in the most wonderful condition and dates from one of the most celebrated periods in English furniture history ‘ The Chippendale Period’.
Additional reading and Literature: H. Hayward, Thomas Johnson and the English Rococo, London, 1964; Peter Ward-Jackson, English Furniture Designs of the Eighteenth Century, London, Victoria and Albert Museum, 1984.
Mirrors of a similar form can be found at Sizergh Castle, Cumbria, North, Blickling Hall, Norfolk and Nostell Priory, West Yorkshire.
Thomas Johnson (1714-1778) was a notable British carver, designer and gilder who was born in London. He fully embraced the capriciousness of the rococo style. He was a pupil of Matthias Lock who embodied the harmonious combination of naturalistic motifs and had a tendency towards asymmetry.
Thomas Johnson concentrated his efforts on designs of wall lights, girandoles and console tables which allowed him to play with form and motifs. His designs were more elaborate than his contemporaries, and they were intended to promote his inventiveness rather than for more practical purposes. He first published his designs in the publication of Twelve Girandoles in 1755. His target audiences were cabinetmakers and upholsterers rather than the end-user. This publication was followed by a series of 53 designs published between 1756-1757. Three years later he published A New Book of Ornaments from which only one plate survives though others are known from 19th-century reproductions. One year later the prolific designer produced, One Hundred and Fifty New Designs.
The flora is most likely to be the flowers, leaves and fruit of the fig tree. Figs were imported from France, Spain and Italy to England in the 18th century and were planted on the south walls of stately houses whose aristocratic owners appeared to be the only ones to appreciate them… the lower classes having little regard for figs and often derided them, as in the common saying ‘not worth a fig’. Interestingly, ‘Brunswick’, ‘Brown Turkey’ and ‘White Marseilles’ are still the most commonly grown figs in Britain.
Condition
Provenance
Private London collection
Literature
Dimensions
PREVIOUSLY SOLD
Large Pair of Blue and White Baluster Vases and Covers
Each jar is decorated with four reserves on a ground of scrolling flowers. The domed covers are surmounted by a finial. LATE QING DYNASTY (1644-1911).
Charles II Pewter Flat Lid Tankard
The Oak Interior – An extremely rare Charles II pewter tankard dated 1666. The tankard bears a crested stamp dated 1666 to the inside of the base. The flat caddy and ringed lid are stamped to the top with four hallmarks of the period and the initials C B. The beautifully crafted handle terminates at a bifurcated rams horn hinged thumb piece and the vessel sits on a multiple ringed and flared base.
17th-Century Olive Oyster Lace Box
Charming and original 12” olive oyster lace box, circa 1680-90. It is most likely that this gorgeous piece was commissioned during the short reign of William and Mary (1689-1702). This was a great time in British furniture design with some of the most notable pieces to date being commissioned.
A lacquer kodansu (small cabinet) | Edo period, 19th century
A lacquer Kodansu, Edo period, 19th century Follow UsA lacquer Kodansu Edo period 19th century The rectangular chest with chamfered edges and a hinged door opening to reveal three drawers, all decorated in gold, silver, red and black...
Engraved silver-topped ebony walking cane. Dated 1923 Birmingham
Silver-topped Ebony Walking Cane of outstanding quality and effortless elegance. Tapering ebony cane with a beautifully engraved silver cap.
17th-18th Century Silk Covered Strongbox Jewel Casket
17th-Century Silk Covered Strongbox Jewel Casket. Occasionally an object can certainly grab your imagination, this casket of small proportions is no exception.
Large Pair of Blue and White Baluster Vases and Covers
Each jar is decorated with four reserves on a ground of scrolling flowers. The domed covers are surmounted by a finial. LATE QING DYNASTY (1644-1911).
Charles II Pewter Flat Lid Tankard
The Oak Interior – An extremely rare Charles II pewter tankard dated 1666. The tankard bears a crested stamp dated 1666 to the inside of the base. The flat caddy and ringed lid are stamped to the top with four hallmarks of the period and the initials C B. The beautifully crafted handle terminates at a bifurcated rams horn hinged thumb piece and the vessel sits on a multiple ringed and flared base.
17th-Century Olive Oyster Lace Box
Charming and original 12” olive oyster lace box, circa 1680-90. It is most likely that this gorgeous piece was commissioned during the short reign of William and Mary (1689-1702). This was a great time in British furniture design with some of the most notable pieces to date being commissioned.
A lacquer kodansu (small cabinet) | Edo period, 19th century
A lacquer Kodansu, Edo period, 19th century Follow UsA lacquer Kodansu Edo period 19th century The rectangular chest with chamfered edges and a hinged door opening to reveal three drawers, all decorated in gold, silver, red and black...
Engraved silver-topped ebony walking cane. Dated 1923 Birmingham
Silver-topped Ebony Walking Cane of outstanding quality and effortless elegance. Tapering ebony cane with a beautifully engraved silver cap.
17th-18th Century Silk Covered Strongbox Jewel Casket
17th-Century Silk Covered Strongbox Jewel Casket. Occasionally an object can certainly grab your imagination, this casket of small proportions is no exception.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
18th Century George II Tavern or Act of Parliament Clock, Circa 1740
18th Century George II Tavern or Act of Parliament Clock, Circa 1740 £11,250 Follow Us18th Century George II Antique Tavern Clock or Act of Parliament Clock, Circa 1740 Antique Tavern clock by Thomas Moore Ipswich A fine eighteenth-century...
The 10.12ft 18th Century George I Bur/Burl Walnut Month Longcase Clock by James Markwick
The 10.5ft 18th Century George I Bur/Burl Walnut Month Longcase Clock by James Markwick Follow UsThe 10.5ft 18th Century George I Bur/Burl Walnut Month Longcase Clock by James Markwick This is, without doubt, the largest and most impressive...
Striking 19th Century Carriage Clock with a Gilt-Brass Corniche Case by Grohé
Striking 19th Century Carriage Clock with a Gilt-Brass Corniche Case by Grohé £3,995 Follow UsStriking 19th Century Carriage Clock with a Gilt-Brass Corniche Case by Grohé Striking carriage clock with a gilt-brass corniche case by Grohé,...
A fine and extremely rare 17th century William and Mary baroque olive oyster chest on stand or ‘table box’, circa 1675-1690.
A fine and extremely rare 17th century William and Mary baroque olive oyster chest on stand or 'table box', circa 1675-1690. £12,600 Follow UsA fine and extremely rare 17th century William and Mary baroque olive oyster chest on stand or...
Rare Silver Pocket Sundial and Compass by Michael Butterfield, Paris, circa 1700
Rare Silver Pocket Sundial and Compass by Michael Butterfield, Paris, circa 1700 £4,900 Follow UsRare Silver Pocket Sundial and Compass by Michael Butterfield, Paris, circa 1700 A beautiful, rare solid silver Anglo-French octagonal pocket...
Engraved Eight-Day Striking and Repeating Carriage Clock by Perregaux Au Locle
Engraved Eight-Day Striking and Repeating Carriage Clock by Perregaux Au Locle Follow UsEngraved Eight-Day Striking and Repeating Carriage Clock by Perregaux Au Locle The superb engraved gilt gorge brass case has facetted glass panels to all...
18th Century George II Tavern or Act of Parliament Clock, Circa 1740
18th Century George II Tavern or Act of Parliament Clock, Circa 1740 £11,250 Follow Us18th Century George II Antique Tavern Clock or Act of Parliament Clock, Circa 1740 Antique Tavern clock by Thomas Moore Ipswich A fine eighteenth-century...
The 10.12ft 18th Century George I Bur/Burl Walnut Month Longcase Clock by James Markwick
The 10.5ft 18th Century George I Bur/Burl Walnut Month Longcase Clock by James Markwick Follow UsThe 10.5ft 18th Century George I Bur/Burl Walnut Month Longcase Clock by James Markwick This is, without doubt, the largest and most impressive...
Striking 19th Century Carriage Clock with a Gilt-Brass Corniche Case by Grohé
Striking 19th Century Carriage Clock with a Gilt-Brass Corniche Case by Grohé £3,995 Follow UsStriking 19th Century Carriage Clock with a Gilt-Brass Corniche Case by Grohé Striking carriage clock with a gilt-brass corniche case by Grohé,...
A fine and extremely rare 17th century William and Mary baroque olive oyster chest on stand or ‘table box’, circa 1675-1690.
A fine and extremely rare 17th century William and Mary baroque olive oyster chest on stand or 'table box', circa 1675-1690. £12,600 Follow UsA fine and extremely rare 17th century William and Mary baroque olive oyster chest on stand or...
Rare Silver Pocket Sundial and Compass by Michael Butterfield, Paris, circa 1700
Rare Silver Pocket Sundial and Compass by Michael Butterfield, Paris, circa 1700 £4,900 Follow UsRare Silver Pocket Sundial and Compass by Michael Butterfield, Paris, circa 1700 A beautiful, rare solid silver Anglo-French octagonal pocket...
Engraved Eight-Day Striking and Repeating Carriage Clock by Perregaux Au Locle
Engraved Eight-Day Striking and Repeating Carriage Clock by Perregaux Au Locle Follow UsEngraved Eight-Day Striking and Repeating Carriage Clock by Perregaux Au Locle The superb engraved gilt gorge brass case has facetted glass panels to all...