Description
with a two tone brass and flaking dragon
From our Decorative collection, we are delighted to introduce to the market this French Ormolu, Onyx and Champleve Tray. The Tray of large form having a central onyx slab mounted in two tone ormolu and brass raised upon four acanthus leaf feet. The tray mounted in beautiful two tone ormolu features a fenced border mounted with scrolling vines with flowers mounted to each side with an extensive handles in the Napoleon III style with masked maidens with trumpeting flowers. The rear of the tray features a large flaking dragon climbing over the rear border with mouth agape. The tray base features a large slab of onyx mounted with champleve straps with blue, red and white enamel. The French Ormolu, Onyx and Champleve Tray is in the manner of renowned French sculptor, manufacture and foundry Ferdinand Barbedienne dating to the Belle Epoque late 19th century circa 1880.
FERDINAND BARBEDIENNE (1810-1892)
Born in Saint-Pierre-en-Auge, Northwestern France. Barbedienne began life as a wallpaper salesman before going into partnership with Achille Collas in 1838 the founder of a mechanical device capable of replicating miniature models of famous sculptures. From 1838 Barbedienne grew substantially to become one of the most well known French founders and sculptures of the 19th century. See our article Insight | Ferdinand Barbedienne and makers and retailers Ferdinand Barbedienne for further information.
BRONZE
is a metal alloy consisting of copper, about 12% tin and often other metals such as aluminium, manganese, nickel, or zinc and sometimes, non-metals such as phosphorus, arsenic and, silicon. The additions produce a range of alloys that are harder than copper alone and often have other useful properties such as strength, ductility, and/or machinability.
ORMOLU
is the technique of applying finely ground, high-carat gold–mercury amalgam to an object of bronze. The mercury is driven off in a kiln leaving behind a gold coating. The French refer to this technique as bronze doré and in English it is often referred to as gilt bronze. It is a finishing technique which adds an overall gold look to any object without the massive cost and impracticality of making an object out of solid gold. Mercury was outlawed in the 1830’s in France however it was still used until the early 1900s.
BELLE EPOQUE
is a period of French, Belgian and European history. It began in the early 1870’s and to ended with the outbreak of World War I in 1914.
ENAMEL
(vitreous enamel) also known as porcelain enamel, is a material made by fusing powdered glass to a substrate by firing, usually between 750 and 850 °C. The powder melts, flows, and then hardens to a smooth, durable vitreous coating. The word vitreous comes from the Latin vitreous, meaning “glassy”.
MEASUREMENTS
23cm High (Total) Tray not including dragon 13cm High x 60cm Wide x 32cm Deep (9 | 5.1 x 23.6 x 12.6 Inches)
CONDITION
Excellent antique condition with wear consistent with age
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