Empire-style Ormolu Mount Nesting Tables with Lion Feet
You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Subscribe Now to view actual auction price for this item
When you subscribe, you have the option of setting the currency in which to display prices to $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.
- Mounts - Mounts are used to describe bronze, brass and ormolu adornments on furniture especially quality furniture in the rococo and classical revival style, and are also the cabinet makers' name for the metal fittings on furniture, such as hinges, locks and handles, and metal edges and guards which protect furniture from damage.
- Paw Feet - A paw foot is a base of a furniture leg that resembles the paw of an animal, such as a lion or bear. It is a decorative feature that is often seen in traditional furniture designs, particularly in styles such as Chippendale, Queen Anne, and Georgian. A paw foot typically consists of a carved or moulded ball or disk at the bottom of the leg, which is then carved or shaped to resemble the toes or claws of an animal. The foot may be smooth or textured, depending on the design, and may be finished in a variety of materials, such as wood, metal, or even marble.
Paw feet are often used on heavier pieces of furniture, such as chests, tables, and chairs, to provide additional stability and support. They are also used as a decorative element, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall design.
"Hairy paw feet" is a term used to describe a variation of the foot design that features a carved or sculpted animal paw, such as a lion or bear, with hair or fur details. The hair or fur details were often carved in a realistic manner and added to the overall decorative effect of the furniture. Hairy paw feet were commonly found on furniture items such as tables, chairs, and cabinets and were popular in the 18th century. - Ormolu - Ormolu was popular with French craftsmen in the 18th and 19th century for ornamental fittings for furniture, clocks and other decorative items. True ormolu is gilt bronze, that is bronze that has been coated with gold using a mercury amalgam. Due to the health risks associated with using mercury, this method of creating ormolu was discontinued in France in the 1830s. A substitute was developed consisting of about 75% copper and 25% zinc, however it was inferior to the bronze version. It was often lacquered to prevent it tarnishing.
- Empire Style - The Empire style was a version of neo-classicism popular from 1800 to 1830, coinciding with the rule of Napoleon I from 1840-15. In England the style corrosponds with the Regency style and in the United States to the Federal style.
The style is inspired by classical Rome and Greece, as reflected in the decorative motifs in the the design such as paterae, guilloches, acanthus and swags, and pieces are lavishly decorated with applied gilded decoration.
This item has been included into following indexes:
Visually similar items
A French fine Empire style rectangular mahogany and marble top single drawer console table with ormolu mounts. 96 cm high, 116 cm wide, 56 cm deep.
A Directoire style flame mahogany desk, late 19th century, an elegant desk with a brown leather key fret tooled top, having slightly extended corners embellished with veneer borders, a central drawer and two deeper side drawers, with tapering and veneer bo
A French oak occasional table, 19th century, the rectangular table with an extended parquetry top above a panelled skirt with foliate and scroll designs in relief, and supported on tapering turned and fluted legs with toupie feet. Height 74 cm. Width 90 cm
French style ladies writing desk, inlaid decoration, approx 82 cm high, 120 cm wide, 60 cm deep