Ormolu / Gilt Bronze is the gilding technique of applying finely ground, high-carat gold–mercury amalgam to an object of bronze, and for objects finished in this way. The mercury is driven off in a kiln leaving behind a gold coating. The French refer to this technique as “bronze doré”; in English, it is known as “gilt bronze”. Around 1830, legislation in France had outlawed the use of mercury for health reasons, though use continued to the 1900s.
Craftsmen principally used ormolu for the decorative mountings of furniture, clocks, lighting devices, and porcelain. Reference: Wikipedia
AN EMBELLISHED AND GILT-BRONZE MOUNTED ZITAN HAND MIRROR QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD the circular zitan frame decorated with floral scrolls inlaid with green-stained ivory, red-coloured stones and mother-of-pearl on one side, and a silk embroidery of a lotus and butterfly on the reverse, the baluster-form handle inlaid with archaistic motifs in silver wire and similarly embellished with hardstones and mother-of-pearl, further attached to the mirror with a reticulated archaistic gilt-bronze mount 33 cm, 13 in.
Sold for 56,250 HKD at Sotheby’s in 2018
Spherical Jar with Flowers in a Basket A covered jar in the shape of a globe on a pedestal. The decoration evokes a three-dimensional illusion of a net bag, tied with tassels at the top, swelling and overflowing with of a variety of flowers from different seasons (chrysanthemums, peonies, morning glories, lilies, etc.) The inside surface of the lid is enameled with flowers, leaves and butterflies. The lid has a gilt bronze finial in the shape of a closed chrysanthemum. The enamel is translucent and semi-opaque.
Reference: The Walters Art Museum
An Imari and bronze mounted vase and cover 19th century Of baluster form and decorated with birds, butterflies and flowers before a bridge and band of stylised foliage, surmounted by a gilt bronze pineapple finial, raised on an associated gilt wood stand, 25cm x 25cm x 50cm
Sold for £ 1,275 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2019
A PAIR OF EUROPEAN GILT-BRONZE-MOUNTED CHINESE CLOISONNÉ LARGE ENAMEL VASES QIANLONG-JIAQING PERIOD (1736-1820) Each vase delicately enamelled with the flowers of the four seasons, all below butterflies in flight and reserved on a turquoise ground, the tops are mounted with European gilt-bronze leafy branches and blooms The vases 18 ½ in (47 cm.) high, overall height 35 ½ in. (90 cm.)
Sold for GBP 18,750 at Christie’s in 2018
Pair of 19th Century Export Ormolu-Mounted Famille Rose Porcelain Vases Now drilled for electricity, decorated with figures at various pursuits, flowers, exotic birds and butterflies. Height 9 1/2 inches (24.1 cm).
Sold for $2,125 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle New York in 2019
Carl Kauba 1865-1922 A metamorphic patinated and gilt-bronze and pique à jour enamel butterfly Paris, early 20th century modelled as a butterfly perched on a foliate base, opening to reveal a nude fairy, signed C Kauba to the back, the marble base with the label NISSEL & SIKORA / WIEN, I. height closed 9 1/2 in.; width 3 1/2 in.; depth 8 in.; height open 10 3/4 in.; width 9 in. 24.1 cm, 8.9 cm, 20.3 cm; 27.3 cm, 22.9 cm
Sold for 8,750 USD at Sotheby’s in 2008
