A rare pair of unusual Chinese export reverse glass pictures of young ladies holding Pekingese dogs,
China, early 20th century.

Why we like them
The delicacy of detail and colours on these portraits are amazing, the dogs are super cute – how can one possibly not love them?

Pekingese were Palace dogs for the sole enjoyment and preserve of the Emperor, and with his blessing, his family members, his wives, concubines and favoured eunuchs. For the strictest seclusion of the Court, their removal from the Palace precincts was strictly forbidden.

Reverse glass paintings were the preserve of Imperial patronage, but also exported and keenly sought for English country house collections in the 18th century.