LOLO FRENCH ANTIQUES LOLO'S GLOSSARY OF FRENCH ANTIQUES A-Z

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obelisk: Tall, square stone monumental shaft with pyramidal top used in ancient Egypt. The form, on a small scale in alabaster, is used as a decorative ornament in Directoire, Empire and contemporary interiors.

occasional table: Generic term for decorative, small tables such as end tables, coffee tables, etc.

Old Paris (Vieux Paris) porcelain: This refers to a a type of white porcelain china produced in France from the late Napoleonic era through the end of the Second Empire (1815-1870). Much of it was produced as unmarked white-wares or blanks at Limoges, and then sent on to independent decorating shops in and around Paris where it was then painted with colored ornamentation, banding and gilding. Styles vary from Neoclassical to Rococo revival, Gothic to Renaissance revival. No porcelain mark ever came to be synonymous with Old Paris china.

ormolu: A finish used on metal to imitate gold, from the word "moulo" or "ground gold." Also known as gilt bronze or bronze doré. Often used to refer to bronze furniture mounts, frames and furniture decoration enhanced by gilding. The earliest ormolu appears to have been produced in France, mid 17th century. First a model is made in wood or wax, then a mold formed into which the molten alloy is poured. The cast piece is then chased (ornamented with indentations and etched details) and finally gilt. A faux ormolu treatment is a brushed-on paste made from powdered gold mixed with mercury. When fired, the mercury evaporates, leaving a gold deposit, which is then burnished.

os de mouton: Refers to the sinuous stretchers that are the quintessential element of Louis XIII furniture. The shape of the chair legs is literally based on the legs of a lamb. Literally, "mutton bone."

ottoman: A low, upholstered seat without backs or arms. Sometimes used as a foot rest or coffee table.

oyster veneer: Small branches (usually from wood with some color contrast in cross-section) cut across the grain to produce roundels of veneer that are then laid in patterns. Often outlined with wood stringing, particularly boxwood.