Neoclassical Tall Ceramic Amphora Vase with Serpent Handles and Botanical Cartouche

Design & Inspiration

Rising a commanding 127 cm, this monumental ceramic amphora vase commands the room with the sovereign confidence of an 18th-century European palace interior. Its silhouette — an elongated ovoid body swelling to a broad mid-section before drawing up into a slender columnar neck and domed lid — is unmistakably Neoclassical in spirit, closely evoking the celebrated garniture vases produced at the Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres during the reign of Louis XVI. Here, white porcelain-finish ceramic becomes the canvas for gilt rocaille scrollwork and a central hand-painted botanical cartouche bursting with roses, anemones, cornflowers, and tulips rendered with the naturalistic precision that defined 18th-century decorative arts at their finest.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The body is formed from fine ceramic fired to a luminous ivory-white ground, finished with a soft satin glaze that allows the applied gold arabesques to shimmer without competing with the polychrome floral panel. The serpentine handles — each modeled as a coiling gilt serpent with articulated scales, terminating in an open-mouthed head at the shoulder — are individually cast and applied by hand, a technique that mirrors the ormolu traditions of 18th-century French luxury craft. The square plinth base and stepped foot ring carry their own gilt acanthus relief, grounding the composition and adding visual weight. The removable lid, crowned with a gilt finial, completes the amphora's formal silhouette.

Dimensions & Details

Total height: 127 cm. Base width: 40 cm. Weight: 4 kg. The generous scale of this piece makes it ideal as a statement floor vase, entrance hall centrepiece, or grand salon accent — placed on a console table, within a fireplace alcove, or flanking a doorway in the classical French tradition of paired garniture displays.

Handcrafted in Egypt

Every piece is produced in Egypt by artisans trained in the classical European decorative tradition, combining hand-painting, hand-applied metallic accents, and meticulous quality control to deliver a faithful interpretation of 18th-century European porcelain grandeur. Brass & Wood is proud to bring this level of heirloom-quality craftsmanship to discerning collectors and interior designers worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this vase made from?

The vase body is crafted from high-quality ceramic with a satin ivory glaze. The decorative handles, base reliefs, and accent details are finished in your chosen brass color, applied by hand to replicate the ormolu mounts of authentic 18th-century French garniture vases.

Is this vase fragile? How should I care for it?

Yes — as with all fine ceramic pieces of this scale, this vase should be handled with care. Dust regularly with a soft dry cloth. For deeper cleaning, use a slightly damp cloth and avoid abrasive cleaners. Keep away from direct sunlight to preserve the vibrancy of the hand-painted floral panel and the brilliance of the gilt accents.

Can this vase be customized?

Yes. This vase is available in multiple brass finish variants. For bespoke interior projects requiring specific color palettes or paired garniture sets, please contact the Brass & Wood team directly to discuss customization options and lead times.