Empire Crystal & Brass Epergne Centrepiece - Diamond-Cut Two-Tier Bowl

Design & Inspiration

Place this piece at the centre of a dining table and the room organises itself around it. The eye travels upward from the weighty brass base, through the wide crystal bowl that catches and scatters light across linen and silverware, and up to the flared trumpet vase crowning the composition — a vertical hierarchy that the French Empire designers understood instinctively. This epergne centrepiece is faithfully reproduced in the tradition of the grand surtouts de table that graced the banqueting halls of Napoleonic France, where the table arrangement was as deliberate as the architecture of the room itself.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The upper trumpet vase and wide shallow bowl are cut from clear crystal in an all-over diamond hobnail pattern — a technique that transforms each facet into a miniature prism, multiplying candlelight and ambient glow in equal measure. The two crystal tiers are joined by a faceted crystal connector knop, a small but considered detail that maintains visual lightness between the broad bowl and the soaring vase above. The base is cast brass, hand-finished with acanthus leaf reliefs, beaded borders, and a lower register of stylised palmette and lattice motifs — the full decorative vocabulary of Neoclassical ornament rendered with the discipline of Empire design. The brass feet lift the composition fractionally off the table surface, giving the piece a sense of elevation without instability.

Dimensions & Details

Weighing 4 kg, this centrepiece has the physical presence its scale demands. The broad crystal bowl commands a generous footprint on the table, while the trumpet vase provides vertical emphasis that reads well across a formal dining setting. No dimensions have been listed in the system — please contact Brass & Wood directly for precise measurements before ordering if table clearance is a consideration.

Handcrafted in Egypt

Every component of this centrepiece — from the hand-cut crystal to the cast and chased brass base — is produced in Egypt by craftsmen working within a tradition of decorative metalwork and glasscraft that has served the region's most discerning interiors for generations. Brass & Wood brings the same standard of attention to this piece that the original Empire orfèvres brought to their work: considered proportions, disciplined ornament, and materials chosen for how they perform in light. This is a handcrafted luxury centrepiece built to become the defining object on a well-dressed table.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this centrepiece made from?

The bowl and trumpet vase are diamond-cut clear crystal. The base, stem collar, and structural fittings are cast brass with a hand-applied finish. No wood components are used in this piece.

Is any assembly required?

Minimal assembly is required — the crystal trumpet vase and bowl sit onto the brass base and connector. No tools are needed. The piece arrives carefully packed and is straightforward to assemble.

Can this centrepiece be customised?

Yes. The brass finish is available in multiple colour options including Antique Gold, Gold, and Silver. Contact Brass & Wood to discuss finish preferences or bespoke sizing requirements.

How should I care for this piece?

Dust the crystal regularly with a dry microfibre cloth. For fingermarks, wipe gently with a lightly damp cloth and dry immediately. Keep away from high humidity environments and avoid prolonged direct sunlight, which can affect the brass finish over time. Do not submerge in water.