Object Description
This is a beautiful antique French Louis Revival circular centre table with ornate ormolu decoration typical of the Louis XIV period, circa 1870 in date.
The inset marble top has a three-quarter length pierced brass gallery with a single drawer beneath. The four tapering legs are joined by an undertier, and terminate in ormolu lion’s paw feet.
There is no mistaking the unique quality and elaborate design, which is certain to make it a talking point in your home and a fine embellishment to your reception room.
Condition:
In excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned and waxed in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 79 cm x Width 59 cm x Depth 59 cm
Dimensions in inches:
Height 2 foot, 7 inches x Width 1 foot, 11 inches x Depth 1 foot, 11 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-coloured 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.
Our reference: 09194