Chinese Court Painting on Silk William Kent Much of the porphyry used

Much of the porphyry used in table tops across Europe was salvaged from Roman era ruins

1679 just emerging from the devastation of the Civil War and the restoration of Charles II in 1660 so the images promoting the desire for peace seem entirely appropriate for the time

Architectural "pier" mirrors were designed to reflect the classical taste that emerged in the United Kingdom from 1720-50

6" With restorations to the gilding

Glass mirror plate is old but likely not original

Chinese Court Painting on Silk William Kent Much of the porphyry usedChinese court painting dating from the late Qing to early 20th century, probably done in one of the workshops in Beijing by Dianmen near the Forbidden City. Paintings produced in this area are known as houmen zao (production at the rear gate of the Forbidden City). The theme of the painting is to celebrate the 60th birthday of Guo Ziyi, (697 781) formally known as Prince Zhongwu of Fenyang, a Tang Dynasty General who subdued the uprising of the An