Centuries ago, this technique originated in China with oil-based paints. How this art traveled to Europe is not clear, but by the end of the Renaissance, Italian artists had adapted reverse glass painting with watercolors. The art form proved to be extremely popular all over Europe.
In the 16th century, Spanish colonizers carried reverse glass paintings with them to Peru, where local artisans were quick to learn the technique. For several centuries, Peruvian artists faithfully copied the elaborate, rococo floral motifs favored by the Spanish.
The basic technique of reverse glass painting has changed little over the centuries. Designs are painted in reverse on glass. The painted side is covered with gold-colored lead paper that gives it a distinctive, shimmering background. The glass is then fixed on to a special, handmade wooden base or frame.
In time, Peruvian artists moved away from the original Spanish designs and made it their own, going back for inspiration to their, pre colonial cultural roots. They began to use Inca motifs, preserved in museum collections of pottery and textiles. They are now a sought after feature of this art form, with their geometric designs and earthy colors. The Nazca group of designs is derived from the mysterious 2,000-year-old designs that appear in the Peruvian desert. Also popular are the Nature series, reflecting a growing concern for the environment.
The technique of reverse glass painting has been ingeniously adapted by Peru’s modern artisans to produce a host of items for both decorative and utilitarian purposes – wall décor, mirrors, lamps, vases, tables, pedestals, mirrors and trays.