20th Century Ormolu & Patinated Bronze Urn Table Lamps, Set of 2

A superb and decorative vintage pair of patinated bronze and ormolu, urn table lamps, dating from the second half of the 20th Century. Each of squat Campana form and with twin handles cast as winged dragons, the bodies cast in relief with figural scenes in Classical style, with stop fluted undersides. Raised on laurel cast socles and stepped, square section bases. 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. Condition: In excellent condition having been rewired and PAT tested, please see photos for confirmation. Dimensions in cm: Height 45 x Width 30 x Depth 20 Dimensions in inches: Height 1 foot, 6 inches x Width 1 foot 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. 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.