SKU:
VIT036
Antique French Kingwood and Ormolu Mounted Vitrine, Circa 1860-1870
Height: 71 1/2 inches Width: 45 inches Depth: 18 inches
Kingwood is a dense, exotic type of rosewood that can be sourced from a very small region of Brazil. It is known for its striking violet-brown color and grain and is very expensive. It was almost exclusively used on very fine furniture. It has a bright luster, takes a nice polish and develops patina as it ages. Today kingwood is on a threatened species list due to overharvesting.
Bronze d'oré, also known as ormolu or gilt bronze, was a decorative finish used on luxury furnishings in the 18th and 19th centuries. An application of finely ground high carat gold and mercury amalgam was placed on objects of bronze. When subjected to extremely high heat, the mercury evaporated, leaving behind a lustrous coating of gold.
Gilt-bronze trim was used to protect furniture from damage and to emphasize form, and to mount beautiful objects such as candelabra, clocks, lamps, mirrors, pedestals and porcelain vases.
