Rococo Brass-Mounted Ceramic Lidded Urn Vase with Hand-Painted Landscape Medallion

Design & Inspiration

Few decorative objects capture the opulence of eighteenth-century European court culture as eloquently as the covered urn vase. Faithfully inspired by the celebrated Sèvres manufactory tradition — elevated further through the grandeur of the Napoleon III era — this handcrafted lidded ceramic urn commands attention with its deep forest-green body, richly gilded brass mounts, and a hand-painted pastoral landscape medallion that recalls the romantic landscapes of Corot and the French countryside. The interplay of matte emerald ceramic against burnished gilt metal creates a visual tension that is at once aristocratic and inviting.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The body of the vase is formed from high-quality ceramic, fired to achieve an even, deep green glaze that provides the perfect canvas for the central hand-painted medallion. The medallion itself — framed within gilded acanthus-leaf cartouche work — depicts a softly rendered pastoral scene, applied with fine brushwork in the tradition of European porcelain painting. The brass mounts are cast individually: sweeping S-scroll handles with foliate terminals rise from the shoulders, a fluted domed lid is crowned with a faceted finial, and the entire vase is elevated on a boldly sculpted square gilt-brass base adorned with acanthus reliefs, diamond-pattern cross-hatching, and four scroll feet. Each brass component is finished and polished by hand to achieve the warm luminosity characteristic of fine ormolu work.

Dimensions & Details

Weighing 4 kg, this decorative urn vase has a commanding physical presence suited to mantelpieces, console tables, sideboards, and reception hall pedestals. Its balanced proportions — with the widest point at the ceramic body's shoulder — echo the classic amphora silhouette refined by Rococo and Empire designers alike. The lidded format allows it to function both as a decorative urn and, if desired, as an enclosed vessel.

Handcrafted in Egypt

Every piece bearing the Brass & Wood name is produced in Egypt by artisans who have mastered the European classical tradition through years of dedicated practice. The ceramic body is shaped and glazed by hand, the landscape medallion is individually painted, and each brass mount is cast, chased, and polished to meet our exacting standards. This is not mass production — it is the continuation of a living craft tradition. Brass & Wood offers customization options including brass finish and ceramic color to allow you to tailor this urn to your interior scheme.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this vase made from?

The vase body is crafted from high-quality fired ceramic with a deep green glaze and a hand-painted landscape medallion. All mounts — including the handles, lid, and base — are cast brass, hand-polished to a warm gilt finish.

Is assembly required?

Minimal assembly is required. The lid, handles, and base arrive as separate components and are designed to fit together simply and securely without tools.

Can this piece be customized?

Yes. Brass & Wood offers customization of the brass finish (Gold, Silver, or Antique Gold) to coordinate with your interior hardware and décor palette. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.