Ormolu & Marble Dolphin Table Lamp

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This is a truly superb large white marble and ormolu Louis Revival table lamp, dating from the last quarter of … Read more This is a truly superb large white marble and ormolu Louis Revival table lamp, dating from the last quarter of the 20th century. The central column stands on four ormolu dolphins raised on a marble socle that rests on an ormolu base. The craftsmanship is second to none throughout all aspects of this piece and it is sure to add an unparalleled touch of class to your home. Condition: In excellent working condition having been beautifully cleaned and rewired in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation. Dimensions in cm: Height 59 x width 23 x depth 23. Dimensions in inches: Height 1 foot, 11 inches x width 9 inches x depth 9 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-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. 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 color. 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).
Up to 250V (Europe/UK Standard).The wiring of this item may be original and might need replacement, if not specified otherwise.
Up to 250V (Europe/UK Standard).The wiring of this item may be original and might need replacement, if not specified otherwise. See less