Name/Title
SconceContext
Made in France, between 1850-1880, these ornate ormulo mounts feature three candleholders, each containing a small Sèvres-style bleu celeste porcelain bowl decorated with floral medallions.
Ormulo is the gilding 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"; in English, it is known as "gilt bronze". Around 1830, legislation in France outlawed the use of mercury for health reasons, though use continued into the 1900s. So even though they look as sweet as candy, don't lick the sconces!
Like much of the furniture in our French Parlor, these sconces were a gift of Laura Thomson Barrow. You can enjoy the entire collection at the NCHM, Wed-Sun, 11am-4pm.Acquisition
Accession
1959.01Source or Donor
Mrs. Leonidas T. Barrow (Laura Thomson)Acquisition Method
GiftCredit Line
In Mem of donor's mother, Laura Driscoll Thomson (Mrs. Henry D.) of San Antonio