Dragon Mirrors

This unusually large collection of mirrors was created by French designer Gabriel-Frédéric Viardot, who produced some of the most fanciful, Chinese-style French furniture during the third quarter of the 19th century. Inspired by the exotic designs and patterns of Chinese decorative arts that were popular in France, each mirror takes the form of a winged dragon with striking claws, scales and tail. Their asymmetrical designs add a sense of drama and movement, creating a chimerical vision that blurs the boundaries between sculpture and decorative arts.

Some of these mirrors were purchased at auction at Christie’s in London, others were collected throughout the world by designer Roger Thomas.