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This is a truly superb large antique pair of ormolu and bronze ewers, circa 1840 in date.
Each with gilded flying scroll handle adorned with a seated cherub. The bulbous body smothered with bacchanalian scenes of grapes, vines, berries, cherubs, a goat and a chariot.
T
hey rest on gilded bronze foliate bases terminating in circular bronze plinths.
The craftsmanship is second to none throughout all aspects of this pair and they are sure to add an unparalleled touch of class to your home.
This superb antique pair of bronze ewers was produced using the traditional
lost wax method.
Condition:
In excellent condition having been expertly cleaned and polished in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 76 x Width 36 x Depth 22
Dimensions in inches:
Height 2 feet, 6 inches x Width 1 foot, 2 inches x Depth 9 inches
Our reference: 08685
Please feel free to email or call us (+44 20 8809 9605) to arrange a viewing in our North London warehouse.
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).
Lost Wax Method
sometimes called by the French name of cire perdue or the Latin, cera perduta is the process by which a bronze or brass is cast from an artists sculpture.
In industrial uses, the modern process is called investment casting. An ancient practice, the process today varies from foundry to foundry, but the steps which are usually used in casting small bronze sculptures in a modern bronze foundry are generally quite standardised.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 76 x Width 36 x Depth 22
Dimensions in inches:
Height 2 feet, 6 inches x Width 1 foot, 2 inches x Depth 9 inches
Shipping:
We ship worldwide and deliver to Mainland UK addresses free of charge.
A shipping cost to all other destinations must be requested prior to purchase.
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Delivery and return policy:
We require that someone be home on the agreed delivery day if applicable, otherwise a redelivery fee will apply.
In accordance with Distance Selling Regulations, we offer a 14-day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the item.
The item must be returned in its original packaging and condition.
Unless the item is not as described in a material way, the buyer is responsible for return shipping expenses.
Buyers are fully responsible for any customs duties or local taxes that may be incurred on items sent outside of the European Union.
