Prata

ref. 98141901 — China n.d. ca. 1899-1903. A double-sided glass mirror silver gelatin photo with oval view superb and prinstine crisp image absolutely no fading mirror/glass 6 x 9 cm. image ca. 4 x 6 cm. slightly off center. V E R Y R A R E ! A very RARE example of early silver gelatin technique with the most remarkable preservation and results. . This stunning and very early image is over 112 years old the portrait of the "page boy" coiffure Chinese girl is marvelous. She wears a modern patterned "Chi-pao" a high-neck split dress which reveals her legs though not shown and also she sports a watch ring and earrings with a serious but gentle pouting sail. . Her arms are folded in front of her and showing a lot of self-confidence. Her neck is completely covered by her tall collar which exhibits not one but two "frogs" or Chinese button-clasps. Her "Chi-pao" dress is of an 'earlier style' and her sleeves are about half-way up her forearm. . Her full lips and very straight nose give her a lot of elegance and charm. Her very rounded face shows some elegance. Her jet black bangs hang straight down without a single hair out of place to her eyebrows which are hidden. An immaculate portrait of a charming and beautiful girl in her early twenties. PHOTO TECHNIQUE: Silver gelatin type photographs of this vintage sandwiched between two sheets of glass seldom survive; most are invaded by the air oxidized and destroyed. Others have broken glass most are poor examples with defective images. CONDITION: The two sheets of glass are intact and held together firmly. The image is oval and has survived any exposure to the outside air but the exterior edges have some exposure thus darkening the silver. The image is without any problems. It is strong clear and not faded at all. This again is "REMARKABLE" vis-à-vis the fact that the large majority by now are damaged and defective. This is a RARE item in the very best of collector's condition. SUPERB EXAMPLE ! . THE VERSO: The back side shows where the encroachment of air has enter the edges. The interior shows a bit of discoloration but again this is in the silver margin not near or behind the image at all. . unknown