Chippendale Style Painted Mirror With Ho-Ho Bird and Fox Crest

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A finely carved Italian mirror in the Chippendale taste, dating to the late 19th or early 20th century. The oval … Read more A finely carved Italian mirror in the Chippendale taste, dating to the late 19th or early 20th century. The oval plate is framed by exuberant Rococo scrollwork and surmounted by an elaborate crest featuring a stylized Ho-Ho bird — the mythical Chinese phoenix popularized in 18th-century English Chinoiserie — paired with a fox flanking a basket of fruit. Beautifully carved in high relief, the frame is finished in a soft white with subtle green undertones, giving the piece an elegant, slightly weathered surface that enhances the depth of carving. The painted finish, rather than traditional gilding, reflects the decorative preferences of Italian workshops producing revival pieces for export around 1900. The sculptural crest, pierced apron, and animated foliate carving give the mirror strong vertical presence and theatrical charm while maintaining balance and refinement. Italian, circa 1890–1920. A striking focal point for an entry hall, powder room, or over a console. See less