CHINESE EXPORT SILVER MIRROR

A Chinese Export silver hand mirror by Wang Hing of Hong Kong

This large hand mirror is closely repousse worked with four clawed dragons on the back and the handle.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_dragon

Four clawed dragons were usually reserved for high ranking officials but this mirror -clearly for export – shows that the foreigners could also merit four claws.

Dragons symbolised strength, good fortune , energy …just about everything and was a very popular motif for the foreigners.

https://dragon-planet.com/chinese-dragon-meaning-symbolism/

But this mirrror is a little different .  The round reserve in the centre of the mirror has been left empty but engraved on the handle is the coat of arms of the  Patterson and Stuart families with the  motto “hinc orior”-  From here I rise

An amazing addition to the powder room!