Looking glass

American

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 748

Japanning, the use of paint and gilded gesso to imitate the glossy finish on Asian lacquerwork, was a popular method of furniture decoration in colonial Boston. This looking glass, part of a group (40.37.1, .2, .4) of japanned furniture that descended in the Pickman family of Salem, Massachusetts, is an extraordinary survival. The painted decoration on the high chest, dressing table, and looking glass is all by the same hand.

Looking glass, Japanned white pine; mirror glass, American

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Looking glass, Japanned white pine; mirror glass, American
Looking glass, Japanned white pine; mirror glass, American
Looking glass, Japanned white pine; mirror glass, American
Looking glass, Japanned white pine; mirror glass, American
Looking glass, Japanned white pine; mirror glass, American
Looking glass, Japanned white pine; mirror glass, American
Looking glass, Japanned white pine; mirror glass, American

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