Antique Pair Large 16inch Grand Tour Gilt Bronze Campana Urns Circa 1920

A stunning large antique pair of Italian ormolu mounted campana urns raised on polished granite plinths, Circa 1920 in date.

These stunning urns have been superbly cast with emblematic cherubs. They have decorative egg and dart bordersand the stepped granite plinths are mounted with ribbon tied ormolu laurel wreaths.

The attention to detail throughout this pair is second to none and they are sure to enhance great historical fascination wherever they are placed.

Condition:

In excellent condition with no damage or repairs, please see photos for confirmation.

Dimensions in cm:

Height 41 cm x Width 18 cm x Depth 18 cm

Dimensions in inches:

Height 1 foot, 4 inches x Width 7 inches x Depth 7 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.

After around 1830 because legislation had outlawed the use of mercury other techniques were used instead. Electroplating is the most common modern technique. Ormolu techniques are essentially the same as those used on silver, to produce silver-gilt...

Our reference: A3718

Internal Ref:

A3718

Date of manufacture : 1920