Louis XVI Neoclassical Navy Blue Ceramic Lidded Urn Vase with Swan-Handle Brass Mounts

Design & Inspiration

Few decorative objects command a room with the authority of a grand covered urn, and this Louis XVI Neoclassical Lidded Urn Vase does so with exceptional distinction. Inspired by the celebrated Sèvres porcelain gala pieces produced for the courts of Versailles in the late eighteenth century, this handcrafted vase distills the refined elegance of the Neoclassical period into a single, breathtaking form. The deep, lustrous navy blue ceramic body — reminiscent of the iconic bleu nouveau ground colour favoured by royal manufactories — contrasts dramatically against the warm, richly detailed brass mounts to create a visual tension that is simultaneously bold and aristocratic.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The body of this luxury decorative vase is formed from high-fired ceramic, its surface carrying a deep cobalt-navy glaze that reflects light with a subtle, liquid depth. Encasing and adorning the ceramic form are hand-finished brass mounts executed in the ormolu tradition — the gilded bronze technique synonymous with French royal furniture and objets d'art. The showpiece elements are the two large swan-neck handles: each swan is individually cast and chased, its wings spread in graceful flight, its neck arching elegantly to form a functional yet sculptural grip. Between the swans, a draped swag-and-tassel festoon of brass descends across the shoulder of the vase, an unmistakable Neoclassical motif connecting this piece directly to the decorative vocabulary of Louis XVI–era designers such as Jean-Henri Riesener and Pierre Gouthière. The stepped square plinth base, enriched with acanthus-leaf and egg-and-dart banding, provides a dignified architectural foundation. The domed lid is surmounted by a pine-cone finial — the classical symbol of fertility and eternal life — rendered in finely detailed brass and capped with a pierced gallery.

Dimensions & Details

This piece ships as a single assembled unit (1 piece) weighing 4 kg, requiring no assembly. The sturdy ceramic body and precisely fitted brass components are carefully packaged to protect this fragile, heirloom-quality decorative object during transit. Available in multiple brass finish variants — Gold, Silver, and Antique Gold — to complement a range of interior palettes. Customization of brass finish is available upon request. Ideal placement includes a formal living room mantelpiece, entrance hallway console, executive office credenza, or a grand reception table.

Handcrafted in Egypt

Every Brass & Wood decorative piece is conceived and produced in Egypt by skilled artisans who draw on generations of craft tradition. This neoclassical urn vase faithfully reproduces the spirit of eighteenth-century French decorative arts through the hands of master coppersmiths and ceramic artists. Each mount is individually cast, hand-chased, and fitted — no two pieces are entirely identical, ensuring that your urn carries a subtle signature of the hand that made it. Brass & Wood is committed to bringing the grandeur of classical European design into the modern luxury home, without compromise on material quality or artisanal integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this vase made from?

The body is crafted from high-fired ceramic with a deep navy blue glaze. All decorative mounts — including the swan handles, swag festoons, base banding, and lid finial — are made from hand-finished brass in the ormolu tradition. No wood is used in this piece.

Is the vase fragile? How is it packaged?

Yes, this is a fragile decorative object. It is carefully packaged using protective foam inserts and reinforced outer cartons to ensure safe delivery. We recommend handling with care and placing it away from high-traffic areas.

Can the brass finish or ceramic colour be customized?

Yes. This product is available in Gold, Silver, and Antique Gold brass finishes as standard variants. Additional customization requests — including alternative ceramic glaze colours — can be discussed with our team. Please contact Brass & Wood directly for bespoke enquiries.