No. 2374 Lover's Eye Painting on a Black Crescent Moon Dish with Gold Stars

A Lover's Eye oil painting on a black ceramic dish in the shape of a crescent moon, spangled with gold stars, measuring 4.25" x 3" (wire spring plate hanger included).  THE HISTORY: Lover's Eyes were a jewelry trend c.1785-1830 of brooches set with tiny watercolor portraits on ivory. Since they were cropped to eyes, they were in many ways more direct and intimate than traditional miniature portraits; but also because they were just eyes, they were often used as daring public testimonies of clandestine love affairs with mystery lovers.  THE CHINA: Many of my Lover's Eyes are set in antique saucers and dishes which not only work as unexpected frames but add a layer of historical narrative on top of the origin story. Each piece has a unique blend, so that some are more romantic, some more exotic, and some more otherworldly.