Pair of French Crystal and Gilded Ormolu Vases

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Pair of French Crystal and Gilded Ormolu Vases

About the Item

A remarkable pair of French ormolu-mounted and cut crystal vases dating from the last quarter of the 20th century. These magnificent vases feature cut glass leaf contour scrolls and faceted diamond patterned details. The ormolu-mounted handles are decorated with leaf design handles and frame flower inset wreaths on a cylinder base. Add a touch of opulence to a special place in your home with these beautiful pieces. Condition: In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation of condition. Dimensions in cm: Height 34 x width 19 x depth 10. Dimensions in inches: Height 1 foot, 1 inch x width 7 inches x depth 4 inches. Ormolu. (from French 'or moulu', signifying ground or pounded gold) is an 18th century English term for applying finely ground, high-carat gold in a mercury amalgam to an object of bronze. The mercury is driven off in a kiln leaving behind a gold-colored veneer known as 'gilt bronze'. The manufacture of true ormolu employs a process known as mercury-gilding or fire-gilding, in which a solution of nitrate of mercury is applied to a piece of copper, brass, or bronze, followed by the application of an amalgam of gold and mercury. The item was then exposed to extreme heat until the mercury burned off and the gold remained, adhered to the metal object. No true ormolu was produced in France after, circa 1830 because legislation had outlawed the use of mercury. Therefore, other techniques were used instead but nothing surpasses the original mercury-firing ormolu method for sheer beauty and richness of color. Electroplating is the most common modern technique. Ormolu techniques are essentially the same as those used on silver, to produce silver-gilt (also known as vermeil).

Dimensions:
Height: 13.39 in (34 cm)Width: 7.49 in (19 cm)Depth: 3.94 in (10 cm)
Sold As:
Set of 2
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
1980-1989
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1980
Condition:
Seller Location:
London, GB
Reference Number:
Seller: 043511stDibs: LU95066338903