Gilding is the process of applying a thin layer of gold-leaf or gold-colored finish to an item although it is also a term which can apply to other metal leaf such as silver.
Below are some examples and price guides of antique items which have gilding and butterflies in their design including a Worcester inkstand and a Meissen cup and saucer.
A Flight, Barr and Barr Worcester inkstand and two covers, circa 1825-30
The gadroon-edged tray raised on four scroll-moulded feet and inset with two pen trays flanking a pair of fixed, urn-shaped inkwells and covers either side of a handle embossed with a female mask, painted on a vibrant turquoise ground with ‘Fancy Birds’ on stems of colourful flowers, butterflies and scattered flowers and berries, the rims brightly gilded, 27.3cm wide, script mark referring to Coventry St address
Sold for £701.25 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2021
A LARGE YELLOW-GROUND FAMILLE ROSE AND GILT-DECORATED ‘BUTTERFLY’ DISH
CHINA, QING DYNASTY, GUANGXU SIX-CHARACTER MARK IN IRON-RED AND OF THE PERIOD (1875-1908)
Sold for EUR 9,375 at Christie’s in 2021
Meissen Porcelain Two-Handled Chinoiserie Beaker and a Saucer
Circa 1730, blue crossed swords marks and gilder’s 3. or 5., both painted in the manner of J.G. Höroldt
The tapering conical beaker flanked by gilt wishbone handles, finely painted with either a Chinese figure seated at a table before a palm tree or with figures pursuing butterflies, the saucer with two figure preparing and serving tea, each within an ombrierte quatrefoil shaped panel edged by a Böttger-lustre and a gilt cartouche, trimmed with iron-red scrollwork, the border with Laub-und-Bandelwerk and gilt line rims, the underside with iron-red flower sprays.
Height 3 1/8 inches, width overall 5 1/2 inches.
Sold for $3,150 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2021
A VICTORIAN SILVER-GILT AND PORCELAIN SCENT FLASK
by Samuel Mordan & Co, London 1892, the globular body enamelled and gilded with floral sprays and butterflies, the hinged gilt cover opening with a push button and fitted with a suspension ring. 7.5cm by 6cm
Sold for £480 at Elstob Auctioneers in 2023
In the Qing Dynasty, silver gilded hairpin with jade flower and butterfly pattern
Sold for US$1,000 at SVETHRS Auction LLC in 2023
