This is a fine antique French Empire Revival ormolu and patinated marble casket, circa 1820 in date.
Of rectangular form decorated with a central sculpture of a reclining grey hound on the lid of the casket, which lifts off to reveal a casket with a red velvet lined interior.
The ormolu casket is raised on lion''s paw feet on a Rosso Carpazi marble base decorated with four stylized fish to each corner and wing masked feet to the marble base.
There is no mistaking its unique quality and design, which is sure to make it a treasured piece by any discerning collector.
Condition:
In really excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned and polished in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 20 cm x Width 24 cm x Depth 20 cm
Dimensions in inches:
Height 8 inches x Width 9 inches x Depth 8 inches
Ormolu - Gilt Bronze (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.
Rosso Carpazi Marble is a material born out of the mountains of Albania. The brown-red ground mass of this beautiful marble is partially brecciated and quite rich with a labyrinth of snow white icing like veins dispersed through out.
This natural stone exudes an element of passion and elegance and is ideal as a special piece on fine furnishings.
Our reference: A4431
Internal Reference: A4431
Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA1133309
Dateline of this antique is 1800
Height is 20cm (7.9inches)Width is 24cm (9.4inches)Depth is 20cm (7.9inches)
Thank you.
Your comment has been sent to Sellingantiques.