Ormolu Mounted Objects

An Exquisite and Rare French Louis XVI Style Ormolu-Mounted Bloodstone Inkwell, circa 1875. A truly exceptional and jewel like quality inkwell encrier, made with the finest ormolu, mounted on bloodstone. A true collectors and one of a kind piece. Revival of the ancient régime in the late 19th century was paramount to the French furniture and bronze casting firms of the Belle Epoque. Imitation in the highest regard and replication of those tastes and styles was prevalent throughout the Paris Faubourg, where the most talented bronziers and ébénistes established their workshops. The present inkwell encrier recalls the late 18th century's obsession with hardstones - a taste expounded above all by the duc d'Aumont and, subsequently Marie-Antoinette. Such hardstone-mounted pieces, reminiscent of Renaissance schatzkammer objects, enjoyed a revived popularity at the end of the 18th century through the impetus of both the marchands-mercier and, more importantly, the hôtel des Menus-Plaisirs, where the duc d'Aumont himself established a workshop in 1770 specializing in the cutting and polishing of precious hardstones. This exceptional inkwell encrier, sumptuously-mounted with finely chased gilt-bronzes, incorporates a highly-prized material such as bloodstone. Sometimes called the Sunstone, the meaning of Bloodstone comes entangled in fascinating history. The Ancient Greeks held the Bloodstone as a gem with glorious powers. They referred to it as Heliotrope, which directly translates to Sunstone. It was believed to have heavenly healing powers gifted by the gods and most certainly when it came to healing all things related to the blood. Even as we move forward into the Middle Ages, the Bloodstone takes another mystical story under its wing. It was believed to be formed from Christ's blood. It was said that during the Crucifixion, a few red spots of his blood dripped...

Superb Example of French lidded grand tour ormolu & bronze cast heavy duty model of a two handled Urn of Museum quality. First quarter of the Nineteenth Century, possibly Regency per...

This is a superb antique gilt bronze, malachite desk stand sculpture of Hamlet, circa 1870 in date. This exceptionally executed sculpture is in the novelty form of a gilt bronze fig...

A Monumental and Fine Pair of French 19th, 20th Century Empire Style Red Porphyry-Like Granite and Gilt-Bronze (Ormolu) Mounted Obelisks on Four Gilt-Bronze Lion Paws both resting on...

A handsome and large scale pair of Italian 18th century Grand Tour Period Ormolu, Black Belgian and Rouge Griotte marble busts. Each wonderful bust is raised on square Ormolu base pl...

Stylish example of a pair of heavy well cast Grand Tour bronze seated figures of two amorino (infant cupid or cherub) probably of French origin, early nineteenth century. Each fig...

A refined pair of neoclassical style gilt bronze (ormolu) furniture mounts, featuring elongated flame-form silhouettes with finely cast foliate decoration. Originally conceived as de...

Absolutely stunning French chisel cast Patinated Bronze Classical standing Figures, draped in clothing. Mid to late Nineteenth Century. Firmly attributed to the work of Louis Valenti...

An exceptional example of a fine pair of chisel cast French Patinated Bronze Figures after Claude Michel Clodion (1738-1814) in very dark brown patination. Mid-19th Century. Firmly a...

A high quality and most decorative Italian 17th century Ormolu and Bréche Violette marble column. This truly stunning column with all of its original gilding is raised by a mottled e...

Louis XVI style ormolu chenets, On square support with a central bombe shaped maiden's mask, Scrolling foliage chasing, above an urn of prosperity dec...

18th Century French Louis XVI Pair of Ormolu Candelabra Palais Royal Beautiful pair purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.