Risqué Reflections

A hand mirror with a risqué secret. This rare, turn of the century western style hand mirror is likely of Cantonese origin. The handle and back inlaid with jade and coral floral decorations, it seems a rather mundane piece, until one notices the latch and hinge discretely moulded into the back panel. The mirror swings open to reveal an erotic scene of two lovers. The piece exemplifies the discretion around sexual mores typical of this time period for this area.

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