19th Century French Ormolu & Glass Ewers, Set of 2

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This is a truly superb decorative antique pair of ormolu glass ewers, circa 1870 in date. The hinged covers with … Read more This is a truly superb decorative antique pair of ormolu glass ewers, circa 1870 in date. The hinged covers with cabouchon semi precious stone finials and scrolling mythical beast handles. The faceted baluster glass bodies feature beaded ormolu borders and sit on embossed spreading circular bases. The craftsmanship is second to none throughout all aspects of this pair and they are sure to add an unparalleled elegant touch to your home. Condition: In excellent condition having been expertly cleaned and polished in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation. Dimensions in cm: Height 17 x width 12 x depth 8 Dimensions in inches: Height 7 inches x width 5 inches x depth 3 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. No true ormolu was produced in France after around 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 colour. 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). See less