What term describes gilded decorative mounts used on furniture?

What term describes gilded decorative mounts used on furniture?

• A. Inlay
• B. Gilding
• C. Ormolu mounts
• D. Marquetry

Answer: (C)

Ormolu mounts describe gilded decorative mounts in furniture. Ormolu refers to gilt-bronze, a bright gold finish applied to bronze forms that are cast into decorative shapes and then attached to furniture. These mounts provide ornamental elements such as corner blocks, escutcheons, mounts along edges, feet, or drawer pulls, adding luxury and contrast to the wooden cases. This term is distinct from gilding in general, which is simply applying gold to a surface, and from inlay or marquetry, which involve inserting materials or veneers into the wood surface rather than affixing metal mounts. In 18th‑century French furniture, ormolu mounts were a hallmark of style, used to enhance curves, motifs, and overall silhouette with rich, reflective detail.

Ormolu mounts describe gilded decorative mounts in furniture. Ormolu refers to gilt-bronze, a bright gold finish applied to bronze forms that are cast into decorative shapes and then attached to furniture. These mounts provide ornamental elements such as corner blocks, escutcheons, mounts along edges, feet, or drawer pulls, adding luxury and contrast to the wooden cases. This term is distinct from gilding in general, which is simply applying gold to a surface, and from inlay or marquetry, which involve inserting materials or veneers into the wood surface rather than affixing metal mounts. In 18th‑century French furniture, ormolu mounts were a hallmark of style, used to enhance curves, motifs, and overall silhouette with rich, reflective detail.