This art term relates as much to design as art. Ormolu means golden or gilded brass or bronze used for decorative purposes (as in mounts for furniture) and is derived from the French moulu meaning ground gold.
There are so many examples of this type of ornament on furniture and decorative accesories.
I was told by an antique specialist that it was also known as mercury-gilding and the process made the gilders go mad, much like hatters, from the mercury.
Last year I passed up this amazing ormolu corner chest because I had no where to put it.
It is a bit more fanciful than most things I like but I am kind of kicking myself.
Ormolu is is one of those things that is a thumbs or a thumbs down. Which one are you?
