ormolu
Faux gold alloy
Ormolu is a gold-colored alloy of copper, zinc, and tin used to decorate furniture, clocks, and other ornamental objects.
The term specifically refers to gilded bronze or brass metalwork, particularly the elaborate mounts and fittings found on high-end French furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries.
The antique clock featured intricate ormolu detailing.
Pieces with genuine ormolu are often valuable collectibles.
Covered with gold
- goldleafBeaten metal for gilding
- vermeilGold over silver
- chasingFollowing to catch
- burnishingSmoothing by friction
patina · overlay · embellishment · filigree · acanthus · cartouche · scrollwork · foliate
Excessively elaborate in style
- baroqueExcessively ornate or elaborate
- neoclassicalReviving ancient aesthetic principles
- EmpireSovereign's extensive domain
- chinoiserieWestern art imitating Eastern design
Louis XV · Louis XVI · grandeur · opulence · splendor · elegance · sumptuousness · lavishness
Device displaying time
- candelabraMulti-branched candle stand
- chandelierDecorative suspended light fixture
- sconceMounted light fixture
- mountClimb up or steed
commode · console · secretaire · escritoire · torchère · mantel · bracket · handle
Old valued collectible
- heirloomInherited family treasure
- collectibleObject worth amassing
- VersaillesFrench royal palace complex
- auctionCompetitive public sale
Sotheby's · Christie's · appraisal · restoration · conservation · patina · authenticity · reproduction
gilt
Covered with gold
burnishing · patina · overlay · embellishment · filigree · acanthus · cartouche · scrollwork · foliate · festoon
rococo
Excessively elaborate in style
- baroqueExcessively ornate or elaborate
- neoclassicalReviving ancient aesthetic principles
- EmpireSovereign's extensive domain
Louis XV · Louis XVI · chinoiserie · grandeur · opulence · splendor · elegance · sumptuousness · lavishness · palatial
clock
Device displaying time
- candelabraMulti-branched candle stand
- chandelierDecorative suspended light fixture
- sconceMounted light fixture
mount · commode · console · secretaire · escritoire · torchère · mantel · bracket · handle · escutcheon
antique
Old valued collectible
- heirloomInherited family treasure
- collectibleObject worth amassing
- VersaillesFrench royal palace complex
auction · Sotheby's · Christie's · appraisal · restoration · conservation · patina · authenticity · reproduction · Victorian
bronze
Copper-tin alloy
alloy · casting · chiseling · engraving · burnisher · gilder · atelier · artisan · craftsman · precision
ormoluunadorned
Lacking decoration or ornament
plain · austere · minimalist · undecorated · utilitarian