A pair of Louis XV style gilt bronze andirons in the…

 

chinoiserie. Forms and decorative devices in imitation of the Chinese taste. First became popular in the late 17th century, though there were frequent revivals, notably by Chippendale (hence 'Chinese Chippendale') during the Regency period, and the Anglo-Japanese style in the second half of the 19th century. The ubiquitous 'willow pattern' is the most common 'Chinese' theme used in porcelain and black or red painted or lacquered decoration on furniture, though the hallmark of the furniture style is the use of fretwork in geometrical patterns, pagodas and other decorative forms. Japonaiseries, as the name implies, are motifs in imitation of the Japanese taste

Louis XV. Louis XV (1710 – 1774), known as Louis the Well Beloved was a monarch of the House of Bourbon who ruled as King of France and Navarre from 1 September 1715 until his death in 1774. He succeeded his great-grandfather Louis XIV at the age of five, but until he reached maturity in 1723, his kingdom was ruled by Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, his first cousin twice removed, as Regent of France.

bronze. An alloy of copper and tin, traditionally in the proportions of about 9 parts of copper to 1 part of tin.

The discovery of bronze in Western Asia in the 4th century enabled people to create metal objects which were superior to those previoulsy possible because of its strength and hardness, and it has been used throughout the world for weapons, coins, tools, statuary and other decorative items.

It is very fluid in a molten state, and its hardness, strength when set, and non-corrosive properties makes it most suitable for casting sculpture.

The buyers premium is an additional percentage charge on the hammer price of the item, imposed by the auction house to cover administrative costs. The buyers premium percentage varies between auction houses, with a range of 12.5% to 22%.