Gilt Bronze and Parquetry Standing Clock by Kahn in the Régence Style
Ormolu Furniture
Fine Ormolu and Sevres Porcelain Antique French Clock Set
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
A stunning antique French ormolu clock set, circa 1870, mounted with exquisite Sèvres style porcelain with Rose Pompadour pink ground. Pan...
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture
Ormolu
Palais-Royal Mother-of-Pearl Perfume Box and Flasks
$22,850 / set
Palais-Royal Mother-of-Pearl Perfume Box and Flasks
Located in New Orleans, LA
This mother-of-pearl inlay perfume box is a rare and complete treasure from the famed Palais-Royal of France’s Second Empire. The box is a work of art, meticulously fashioned to deli...
19th Century French Other Antique Ormolu Furniture
Ormolu
A 19th century Empire st. Mahogany, Giltwood, Ormolu and Leather armchair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stately and most handsome Continental 19th century Empire st. Mahogany, Giltwood, Ormolu and Leather armchair. This wonderful chair is raised by curved Mahogany legs leading to a c...
19th Century European Empire Antique Ormolu Furniture
Ormolu
French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Sévres Porcelain And Ormolu Annular Clock
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A sensational and high quality French 19th century Louis XVI st. Sévres porcelain and Ormolu annular clock. The clock is raised by a square Ormolu base with a Coeur de Rai border des...
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture
Ormolu
French 19th Century Louis XV St. Ormolu and Mesh Fire Screen
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking French 19th century Louis XV st. ormolu and mesh fire screen. The fire screen is raised by beautiful scrolled foliate legs in the shape of ...
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Furniture
Ormolu
French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Mahogany And Ormolu Buffet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional and most elegant French 19th century Louis XVI st. Mahogany and Ormolu buffet. The buffet is raised on lovely circular tapered fluted legs with fine mottled Ormolu sab...
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture
Ormolu
19th Century French Louis XV Style Bureau Plat
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A fine quality 19th Century French, Louis XV Style bureau plat. With ormolu mounts and moulded serpentine top.
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Furniture
Ormolu
Louis XVI Dressing Table by Paul Sormani
By Paul Sormani
Located in New Orleans, LA
Eloquent marquetry and faithful interpretation of the Louis XVI taste characterize this beautiful 19th century dressing table by Paul Sorma...
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture
Ormolu
French Gilt-Bronze Neoclassical Bouillotte Lamp with Tole Shade
Located in Pembroke, MA
Very nice quality, French, Louis XVI style gilt bronze Bouillotte lamp with green painted tole shade, (19th century). The lamp features nicely chiseled acanthus leaves, garlands, cen...
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture
Ormolu, Bronze, Tôle
Louis XV Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Bureau de Dame, by François Linke
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Louis XV Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Bureau de Dame, by François Linke. Signed to the bronze mount ‘F.Linke’. Linke Index Number 1650. This very fine and unusual bureau de dame ha...
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Furniture
Ormolu
French Glass and Ormolu Wedding Casket, circa 1860
Located in Vienna, AT
Glass and ormolu-mounted octagonal casket. Made in France in the 1860s. Perfect original condition with a lovely patina. Set of two.
1860s French Antique Ormolu Furniture
Ormolu
Antique French Empire Parcel Gilt Mahogany & Ormolu Chair with Figures c1820
$600Sale Price|20% Off
Antique French Empire Parcel Gilt Mahogany & Ormolu Chair with Figures c1820
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique French Empire Carved & Parcel Gilt Mahogany & Ormolu Chair with Figures c1820 Measures - 34" x 18" x 20 1/2" A striking example of early 19th-century French Empire design, t...
Early 19th Century Antique Ormolu Furniture
Ormolu
French Clock with a Love Scene
Located in Lantau, HK
A French late 19th century gilt-bronze (ormolu) mantel clock in the Rococo style. This trapeze-shaped clock is supported by four scroll feet, the lower part of the piece is symmetric...
19th Century French Rococo Antique Ormolu Furniture
Ormolu
Large Louis XV Style 19th Century Bureau Plat
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality 19th century French kingwood parquetry inlaid Louis XV style freestanding bureau plate. Having an inset leather top, five oak lined drawers to one side, dummy dra...
Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Furniture
Ormolu
Fine Pair of English Regency Period Candelabra on Blue Wedgwood Bases
Located in Steyning, West sussex
A fine pair of English regency period candelabra on unusual blue Wedgwood bases which are marked Adams the base decorated with fan arches and classic Greek figures bordered with in interlaced garlands the bases surmounted by an classic perched eagle this in turn supporting two eagle head candle...
1820s British Regency Antique Ormolu Furniture
Ormolu
Early 19th Century French Mantel Clock - Allegory of Love, Paris circa 1815
Located in Greven, DE
Antique French Mantel Clock - Allegory of Love Paris Ormolu circa 1815 Dimensions: H x W x D: 45 x 35 x 13 cm Description: Antique French mantel clock as an allegory of love. Set...
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Furniture
Enamel, Ormolu
Twin Fusee mantel clock By William Payne
Located in Amersham, GB
A very fine English twin fusee mantel clock in the Rococo Revival taste. The eight-day movement strikes on a bell and features a heavy pendulum bob with top adjustment, suspended fro...
1820s English Rococo Revival Antique Ormolu Furniture
Bronze, Steel, Ormolu
A Fine Pair Of Ormolu And Bronze Regency Storm Lights
Located in Steyning, West sussex
The square ormolu base raised on mythological winged feet, decorated with floral rosettes and scrolling oak leaf socle, supporting bronzed tassels and sprays terminating in birds mofits hung with capped icicles in-beak, the central foliated mount with ball bead decoration issuing engraved storm shade...
19th Century English Regency Antique Ormolu Furniture
Bronze, Ormolu
French 19th Century Neoclassical Style Ormolu and Baccarat Crystal Chandelier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most elegant French 19th century Neo-Classical st. ormolu and Baccarat crystal eight arm chandelier. The chandelier is centered by a striking acorn finial amidst fine overlapping f...
19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Furniture
Crystal, Ormolu
Four Antique Gilt Bronze Fifteen-Light Wall Sconces
$89,245 / set
Four Antique Gilt Bronze Fifteen-Light Wall Sconces
Located in London, GB
These gilt bronze (ormolu) wall sconces are magnificent pieces, each holding fifteen lights. The sconces will look beautiful either mounted onto the wall in a line, or paired and pla...
Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Furniture
Ormolu, Bronze
Fine 19th Century French Vitrine, by Francoise Linke
$49,428Sale Price|20% Off
Fine 19th Century French Vitrine, by Francoise Linke
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality late 19th century marquetry inlaid bombe fronted French Louis XVI style Vitrine, having its original Breche Violette marble top, wonderful scrolling foliate chiselled ...
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture
Ormolu
George III Style Two-Arms Ormolu Sconces by E.F. Caldwell
Located in New York, NY
Each sconce with two arms issuing from a channeled oval backplate topped with an urn and plume finial, impressed manufacturer mark on reverse, Maker: Edward F. Caldwell Co. (1851-...
Early 20th Century American George III Ormolu Furniture
Ormolu
Antique French Ormolu and White Marble Clock - Cherubs
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
A beautiful original antique French clock modelled in the Louis XVI style as two charming cherubs carrying the clock on laurel wreaths. The pendulum with applied musical motifs, swin...
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture
Marble, Ormolu
Baguès Louis XVI Style Twelve Light Crystal Chandelier
$19,200Sale Price|20% Off
Baguès Louis XVI Style Twelve Light Crystal Chandelier
Located in Montreal, QC
Louis XVI style gilt bronze and crystal twelve light chandelier by Maison Baguès, with nine scrolling arms swagged with crystal garlands. and three downswept lights. The central sh...
20th Century French Louis XV Ormolu Furniture
Crystal, Ormolu
set of three French 19th century Napoleon III Period Mahogany nesting tables
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A high quality and most unique set of three French 19th century Napoleon III Period Louis XVI st. Mahogany, Tulipwood and Ormolu nesting tables. This wonderful set of Plum Pudding Ma...
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Furniture
Ormolu
Pair of French Empire Bronze and Marble Urns
$4,800 / set
Pair of French Empire Bronze and Marble Urns
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This handsome pair of urns feature neoclassical motifs, including acanthus leaves, egg and dart borders, and Bacchus mask handles. The Verde antico marble plinth bases are mounted wi...
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Furniture
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
French 19th century Louis XVI st. Crystal and Ormolu chandelier
By Baccarat
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking an high quality French 19th century Louis XVI st. Crystal and Ormolu chandelier, attributed to Baccarat. The twelve light chandelier displays a bottom Crystal bell s...
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture
Crystal, Ormolu
Antique French Ormolu Mounted Roll Top Desk in the Style of Riesener
By Jean-Henri Riesener
Located in London, GB
Antique French ormolu mounted roll top desk in the style of Riesener French, 19th Century Height 120cm, width 146cm, depth 73cm This magnificent 19th-century bureau à cylindre, als...
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Furniture
Marble, Ormolu
French Louis XVI Style Chinoiserie Cabinet with Gilt Bronze Trim
Located in Queens, NY
French Louis XVI style (19th Century) narrow single door cabinet with ebonized carved coromandel chinoiserie decoration and gilt bronze trim with a marble top
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture
Marble, Ormolu
Empire Bronze and Ormolu Cartel Clock by Bailly, Paris
Located in Essex, MA
A wall clock with gilt bronze ribbon bow joining a gilt bronze ribbon attached to the clock case with patinated bronze back section and laurel leaf mounted surrounding a circular glass hinged cover opening to an enamelled dial signed Bailly a Paris. An eagle with spread wings at the base seated on a plinth. All finely cast. The laurel leaves signify victory and the eagle represents strength and power. Bailly is considered on of the finest French clock makers...
1810s French Empire Antique Ormolu Furniture
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Pair of Royal Vienna Painted Porcelain Urn and Cover
$45,000 / set
Pair of Royal Vienna Painted Porcelain Urn and Cover
Located in New York, NY
Highly important pair of royal Vienna painted porcelain urn and cover Painted with two large allegorical scenes. Cobalt blue ground with gold raised decoration and two handles. Sign...
19th Century Austrian Antique Ormolu Furniture
Ormolu
Italian 19th Century Neoclassical Style Ormolu and Marble Columns w/ Orb Finials
$5,500Sale Price / set|53% Off
Italian 19th Century Neoclassical Style Ormolu and Marble Columns w/ Orb Finials
Located in Savannah, GA
This outstanding and high quality pair of Italian 19th century Neo-Classical style Grand Tour period columns feature embossed gilded ormolu and orb finials atop. They are raised by ...
1820s Italian Grand Tour Antique Ormolu Furniture
Marble, Brass, Ormolu
A Pair of French Louis XVI Style Marble and Ormolu Cassolettes, 19th Century
$19,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
A Pair of French Louis XVI Style Marble and Ormolu Cassolettes, 19th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Pair of French Louis XVI Style Marble and Ormolu Cassolettes, 19th Century Provenance: Private UK Collection. Description: The lobed ovoid body of each urn form faux cassolette r...
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture
Marble, Ormolu
19th Century French Empire Mahogany, Gilt and Marble Topped Dressing Table
By François-Honoré-Georges Jacob-Desmalter
Located in London, GB
Constructed using a fine Honduras mahogany with gilt highlights, Bleu Tarquin marble and richly dressed with fire gilt ormolu mounts of the highest quality. The table of lyre end sup...
19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Furniture
Marble, Ormolu
Pair of Charles X Ormolu Candlestick Lamps
$5,000 / set
Pair of Charles X Ormolu Candlestick Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Pair Charles X Ormolu candlestick lamps. Fine pair finely chased gilt metal candlesticks with grey painted candle sleeves above anthemion capitals with ...
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Furniture
Ormolu
Pair of Late 18th Century Louis XVI Ormolu and White Marble Candelabra
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
A fine pair of Louis XVI white marble and gilt bronze candelabra in the form of atheniennes. The rams-headed tripod has a snake entwined through the stem, the central ovoid form whit...
18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture
Marble, Ormolu
Louis XVI Style GBaby Grand Piano by Gaveau à Paris
By Gaveau
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A fine Louis XVI style gilt-bronze mounted baby grand Piano by Gaveau à Paris. Serial number 67874. This fine baby grand piano has a quarter-veneered top with a stiff leaf cas...
1910s French Louis XVI Vintage Ormolu Furniture
Ormolu
An Empire Style Mahogany Desk Chair, By Kahn, Paris
By Kahn
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
An Empire Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Mahogany Desk Chair, By Kahn, Paris. Incised ‘L. KAHN’ to the back of the mounts. The bow-shaped top rail applied with a gilt-bronze anthemion m...
19th Century French Empire Antique Ormolu Furniture
Ormolu
A pair of Ormolu, patinated Bronze and Rose Saint Pons Marble pedestals
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking and most decorative pair of Continental 19th century Neo-Classical st. Ormolu, patinated Bronze and Rose Saint Pons Marble pedestals. Each most elegant pedestal is raised ...
19th Century European Neoclassical Antique Ormolu Furniture
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
A Napoleon III Gilt and Silvered Bronze, Onyx and Enamel Figural Clock Set
By Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Napoleon III Gilt and Silvered Bronze, Onyx and Champlevé Enamel Figural Three-Piece Clock Garniture. By Eugène Cornu for the Société des Marbres Onyx d'Algerie, the figure cast fr...
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Ormolu Furniture
Onyx, Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Small Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Style Ormolu 6 Light Chandelier
Located in New Orleans, LA
Small antique 19th century French Louis XVI exquisite quality ormolu 6 light chandelier.
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture
Ormolu
Pair of French 19th Century Neoclassical Style Egyptian Revival Statues
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most impressive and extremely high quality true pair of French 19th century Neo-Classical st. Egyptian Revival patinated bronze, ormolu and marble statu...
19th Century French Egyptian Revival Antique Ormolu Furniture
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Two Austrian Purple Cut Glass and Gilt Bronze Lamps
$13,043 / set
Two Austrian Purple Cut Glass and Gilt Bronze Lamps
Located in London, GB
Two Austrian purple cut glass and gilt bronze lamps Austrian, Early 20th Century Height 40cm, width 11cm, depth 11cm These lamps are truly exceptional antique pieces of Austrian design. They were created in the early 20th century, in the refined Neoclassical style which was in fashion at the time. They are crafted from fine purple amethyst crystal glass and gilt bronze (ormolu). The stems of the lamps are shaped like classical campagna vases...
Early 20th Century Austrian Neoclassical Ormolu Furniture
Crystal, Ormolu, Bronze
Antique French Sevres Vase Cobalt Blue Porcelain Ormolu Mounts Swans Cherubs
Located in Norman, OK
Antique 19th Century French Sevres Style Cobalt Blue Porcelain Vase with Bronze Ormolu Gilt Mounts and Swan Handles, Beaded Rim, Cherub Medallions, Lyres and Acanthus Flourishes Sitt...
Late 19th Century French Antique Ormolu Furniture
Bronze, Ormolu
French Kingwood 19th Century Display Cabinet
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality late 19th century French Louis XVI style Kingwood vitrine, having gilded ormolu mounts, serpentine fronted with shaped glass panels, glass shelves within, foliate marq...
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture
Ormolu
French Mid 19th Century Louis XVI St. Ormolu and Baccarat Crystal Chandelier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A spectacular and high very quality French mid 19th century Louis XVI st. ormolu and Baccarat crystal chandelier. The thirty-six arm chandelier is centered by a beautiful solid botto...
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture
Crystal, Ormolu
A French Louis XV Style Ormolu Mounted Side or Center Table, Attr. Maison Jansen
$19,880Sale Price|20% Off
A French Louis XV Style Ormolu Mounted Side or Center Table, Attr. Maison Jansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Very Fine French 19th-20th Century Louis XV Style Mahogany and Tulipwood Gilt-Bronze Mounted Circular Side or Center Table (Gueridon) Probably by Maison Jansen, Paris. The four cab...
Early 1900s French Louis XV Antique Ormolu Furniture
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
French Turn of the Century Louis XVI st. Mahogany and Ormolu dining table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and high quality French Turn of the Century Louis XVI st. Mahogany and Ormolu dining table. This wonderful oval dining table with three extensions is raised on five circul...
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture
Ormolu
French 18th century Régence Period Walnut commode, signed Bernard Van Risenburgh
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional and palatially scaled French 18th century Régence Period Walnut, Ormolu and Sarrancolin marble commode, signed Bernard I Van Risenburgh. This stunning Bombee shaped co...
19th Century French Antique Ormolu Furniture
Marble, Ormolu
Palatial Early 20th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Parquetry Bureau-François Linke
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Very Special and Palatial Early 20th Century Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Mahogany and Bois Satine Parquetry Bureau a Cylindre By François Linke François Linke – Index Numbe...
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Ormolu Furniture
Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted / Cut Glass Empire Style Centerpiece
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Step into the splendor of the 19th century with this exceptional Empire-style tableware centerpiece, a captivating union of gilt bronze mounts and cut glass that epitomizes the opule...
1880s French Empire Antique Ormolu Furniture
Bronze, Ormolu
French Louis XV Style Mahogany & Ormolu Mounted Side Table by Francois Linke
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Fine French 19th-20th Century Louis XV style Mahogany, Satinwood and Gilt-Bronze (Ormolu) Mounted Side Table by Franc¸ois Linke (1855-1946). The square shaped table fitted with a Bre^che Violette marble top with a gilt bronze trim, the body surmounted on each corner with bronze caryatid mounts of female busts with laced-tied outfits, the a parquetry apron surmounted with acanthus ormolu mounts and a lower parquetry shelf, all raised on four cabriolet legs ending with gilt bronze sabots. Signed on one mount: F. Linke. Circa: Paris, 1900. François Linke (1855-1946) was one of the most celebrated ébénistes of his time. Born in Pankraz, Bohemia, Linke moved to Paris in 1875 and six years later established independent ateliers at 170, rue de Faubourg St. Antoine. As was the practice among contemporaries and noteworthy predecessors, such as Alfred Beurdeley and Henry Dasson, Linke initially produced furniture derived from styles popular during the 18th century ancien régime. By 1900, his worldwide reputation as an individualistic master of high quality furniture was already established. However, with a huge display, placing his extravagant pieces in room settings and winning the Médaille d'Or for his Grand Bureau...
Early 1900s French Belle Époque Antique Ormolu Furniture
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Louis XVI Style Ormolu Mounted Crystal Vases, Pair
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of Louis XVI Style Ormolu Mounted Crystal Vases, each with two laurel wreath form articulated handles. 21" H x 15" W x 7.25" D. Provenance: From an Upper East Side Townhouse.
20th Century Louis XVI Ormolu Furniture
Crystal, Bronze, Ormolu
French Louis XVI Mahogany Bed with Ormolu Mounts, 19th Century Design
Located in Queens, NY
French Louis XVI-style full size mahogany bed with gilt bronze ormolu mounts & marquetry inlay (includes: headboard, footboard, no rails)
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture
Ormolu
20th Century Pair of Marquetry Inlaid Marble Top Bedside Chests
Located in Dublin, IE
A fabulous pair of 20th Century richly patinated, well figured mahogany and kingwood marquetry inlaid marble top bedside chests of exceptional quality. This stunning pair are finely...
20th Century French Ormolu Furniture
Marble, Ormolu
Antique French Opaline Ormolu Mounted Violet Glass Vases
Located in Newark, England
BELLE EPOQUE CIRCA 1890 From our Glassware collection, we are delighted to offer this beautiful pair Antique French Opaline Glass Vases. The Antique French Vases with splayed feet u...
Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Ormolu Furniture
Bronze, Ormolu
Antique French Louis XVI Style Mahogany Bureau Plat with Ormolu Bronze Mounts
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This elegant Louis XVI-style bureau plat, crafted from rich mahogany wood and adorned with exquisite ormolu bronze mounts, epitomizes classic French sophistication. The desk features...
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture
Bronze, Ormolu
Antique Late 18th Century Louis XVI Gilt Gold Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Antique Late 18th Century Louis XVI Gilt Gold Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock French, Late 18th Century Height 57cm, width 40cm, depth 12cm A wonderful example of late 18th century ...
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture
Bronze, Ormolu
French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Ormolu and Baccarat Crystal Girandole Lamps
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A remarkable and very high quality pair of French 19th century Louis XVI st. ormolu and Baccarat crystal Girandole lamps. Each Girandole is rai...
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ormolu Furniture
Crystal, Ormolu
Antique Ormolu Clocks, Lamps and Other Furniture and Decorative Objects for Sale
Antique ormolu furniture and decorative objects can be incorporated into a variety of spaces, and while demand for the material and/or technique was at its peak in Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries, ormolu is still widely loved by designers and collectors today.
What is ormolu?
Ormolu is a brilliant form of decorative trickery. To the untrained eye, ormolu clocks, jewelry boxes and other ormolu furniture and decor look like they're made of solid gold. But those in the know recognize ormolu — or elaborate bronze gilding — as having been essential to French design in the 18th and 19th centuries as a cornerstone of the neoclassical and Empire styles.
“Most commonly, ormolu refers to a bronze object that has been covered with gold, typically 18 karat or 24 karat,” explains Jamie Sinai, director of the antiques specialist Mayfair Gallery, in London. “For that reason, ormolu is sometimes called gilt bronze or, in French, bronze doré. Strictly speaking, however, the term ormolu also denotes the technique of applying gold to a metal.”
“The word comes from the French or moulu, which translates as ‘ground or powdered gold’ — the form the gold takes before it is applied to a metal surface.”
From the court of King Louis XVI to that of Napoleon I, the French elite snapped up furniture mounted with ormolu, as well as sconces, candelabra and table lamps made from the material. “As the French reputation for supreme art, architecture and furniture developed, the craze for ormolu spread across Europe,” adds Sinai.
Today, antiques collectors and interior designers continue to prize ormolu for its extraordinary craftsmanship and history-infused glamour.
“This wondrous material was highly sought after in France as the ultimate luxury. It magically resembled solid gold and sparkled under candlelight,” says Sinai.
Find antique ormolu furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.











