Definition

Noun: - A type of gilded brass or bronze that resembles gold, traditionally used for decorative mounts, ornaments, and inlays on furniture, clocks, and other objects.

Usage

• As a material: The term describes the decorative metal alloy itself.
• As decoration: It refers to the decorative elements made from this material that are applied to objects.

Examples

• The antique desk was adorned with intricate ormolu mounts.
• Collectors value the fine ormolu work on this 18th-century clock.
• The cabinet's elegance was enhanced by its ormolu handles and keyhole escutcheons.

Advanced Usage

• Historical context: The term is strongly associated with European decorative arts from the 17th to 19th centuries, particularly French furniture.
• Process: Historically, true ormolu was made using a mercury-gilding technique, which is now banned due to toxicity. Modern equivalents use different electroplating or lacquer techniques.

Variants and Related Words

• Gilt bronze: A closely related term, often used interchangeably with ormolu, especially in an English context.
• Mount: A decorative metal fitting applied to furniture, often made of ormolu.
• Doré bronze: Another term for gilded bronze.

Synonyms

• Gilded brass
• Gilded bronze
• (In some contexts) gilt metal

Notes on Meaning

• The core meaning is the gold-colored decorative metal alloy, not the objects it decorates. For example, one speaks of "an ormolu mount" not "an ormolu" to mean a piece of furniture.
• It is a mass noun (uncountable); one does not typically say "ormolus."

Noun

1. brass that looks like gold; used to decorate furniture