Chinese Mother of Pearl Inlaid Table Mirror - Ca 1890 Origin - UK With its timeworn painted highlights

With its timeworn painted highlights in muted reds

stylised lotus rosette (padma-nābhi/bindu centre with radiating dala)

this chest would have been used for the storage of religious items either in homes or monasteries

Paraths are always carved from a single piece of timber and in this case

Chinese Mother of Pearl Inlaid Table Mirror - Ca 1890 Origin - UK With its timeworn painted highlightsThis elegantly carved Chinese vanity mirror is inset with floral mother of pearl repeating designs. The mother of pearl is inlaid into Chinese rosewood. Likely crafted for the Euro American export market in Canton. Ornate carvings feature two opposing dragons, each facing a central 'double happiness' symbol. Its wide feet give it support when tilting. The original antique glass shows signs of a long life but is perfectly useable. From India UK