Églomisé,  also known as verre églomisé, is a decorative technique where gold or silver leaf is applied to the back of glass, often engraved or painted, to create a mirrored effect. The term is derived from the French word “églomiser”, meaning to decorate glass panels by painting on the back. This technique involves applying the leaf to the glass, engraving a design, and then backing it with another layer of glass or foil. An ancient technique, it was brought back to life by the 18th century French decorator and art dealer Jean-Baptiste Glomy (1711-1786).

 

Gold leaf refers to thin sheets of gold that have been hammered into a fine metallic finish used in gilding and decorative applications.  It gave a very luxurious feeling to furnishings and objects of art.