19th Century Ormolu and Cut Crystal Table Centrepieces
A pair of 19th century European ormolu and cut crystal table centrepieces each with four fancy leaf scroll arms terminating with a classical naked woman supporting four cut crystal posy vases, the central cut crystal pedestal base within a gilt metal frame, shallow wrythen decorated bowls to the top of each. Height 7.28 in., some minor chipping
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- Ormolu - Ormolu was popular with French craftsmen in the 18th and 19th century for ornamental fittings for furniture, clocks and other decorative items. True ormolu is gilt bronze, that is bronze that has been coated with gold using a mercury amalgam. Due to the health risks associated with using mercury, this method of creating ormolu was discontinued in France in the 1830s. A substitute was developed consisting of about 75% copper and 25% zinc, however it was inferior to the bronze version. It was often lacquered to prevent it tarnishing.
- Wrythen - A spirally twisted ornamentation most commonly found on antique glass, silver, ceramics and furniture.
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