Object Description
An antique Gilt Bronze and Sèvres porcelain blotter cover, Circa 1870 in date.
The superb gilt bronze cover chased with scrolling foliate motifs and inset with enamelled porcelain plaques of putti,
Provenance:
A Norfolk Country House
It is a lovely desk accessory which is sure to add elegance to your stylish desk.
Condition:
In good condition. As an antique item, the pieces hows signs of use commensurate with age, these minor condition issues are mentioned for accuracy and, as seen in the accompanying photographs, it displays beautifully.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 2 cm x Width 24 cm x Depth 30 cm
Dimensions in inches:
Height 1 inch x Width 9 inches x Depth 1 foot
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: A4716c