20th Century White Marble & Ormolu Mounted Pedestals, Set of 2

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This is a gorgeous pair of 4ft white marble Corinthian column pedestals with gilded bronze 'ormolu' mounts, dating from the … Read more This is a gorgeous pair of 4ft white marble Corinthian column pedestals with gilded bronze 'ormolu' mounts, dating from the late 20th century. In classical Empire Revival the pedestals would be perfect for displaying bronzes, marble statues or porcelain vases and are sure to become the centrepiece of your antique furniture collection. Condition: In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation. Dimensions in cm: Height 121 x width 36 x depth 36. Dimensions in inches: Height 47.6 x width 14.2 x depth 14.2 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-colored 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. See less