Rococo Lidded Ceramic Urn Vase with Brass Scrollwork Handles and Painted Cartouche

Design & Inspiration

Few decorative art forms embody the exuberance of the 18th-century European court quite like the covered urn vase. This masterful interpretation draws directly from the Rococo tradition — specifically the celebrated Sèvres manufactory pieces that graced the palaces of Versailles and the salons of French aristocracy. The form is immediately commanding: a full-bodied ovoid silhouette crowned with a domed lid, its finial shaped as a gilded artichoke, a motif intimately associated with Rococo ornament vocabulary. The vivid bleu céleste (celestial blue) ground — a color that became synonymous with the golden age of French decorative porcelain — is the canvas against which every detail radiates with life.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The body of this urn is crafted from high-quality ceramic, hand-thrown and then meticulously hand-painted by skilled artisans. The signature feature is the painted cartouche medallion set against a warm terracotta ground: one side presents a richly detailed floral still-life with roses and foliage rendered in the naturalistic manner of the Rococo period; the other side displays a romantic landscape scene — rolling hills and dramatic skies — evocative of the pastoral paintings that adorned Rococo interiors. Each cartouche is framed by finely gilded rocaille scrollwork in gold, connecting the painted reserve to the cerulean blue ground with graceful arabesques. The cast brass mounts — the twin scroll-form handles, the articulated base with acanthus-leaf feet, and the lid — are finished with a rich gilded tone that honors the ormolu tradition of 18th-century French bronze-doré work. The base is elaborately cast with cabriole-form legs terminating in foliate scroll feet, providing a visually dramatic pedestal for the ceramic body.

Dimensions & Details

This urn vase weighs 4 kg, reflecting the substantial quality of its ceramic body and solid brass mounts. It is sold as a single statement piece, ideal for placement on a mantelpiece, console table, sideboard, or as a centerpiece in a formal reception room. The interplay between the sky-blue ceramic and the warm gilded brass creates a chromatic dialogue characteristic of the finest Rococo decorative objects. Each piece is unique — slight variations in hand-painting are a hallmark of authenticity and artisanal production.

Handcrafted in Egypt

Every urn in this collection is produced by Brass & Wood in Egypt, where a dedicated team of artisans combines traditional European decorative techniques with exacting standards of quality. The ceramic body is hand-formed, hand-painted, and glazed; the brass mounts are individually cast, finished, and assembled by hand. This commitment to handcraft means no two pieces are precisely identical — each carries the subtle signature of the human hand that made it. Brass & Wood offers customization options including alternative brass finishes (Gold, Silver, Antique Gold), making it possible to tailor this piece to your interior palette.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this vase made from?

This urn vase is constructed from hand-painted ceramic and solid cast brass mounts. The ceramic body is glazed for durability, and the brass fittings — handles, base, and lid hardware — are finished in your chosen metal tone.

Is assembly required?

No assembly is required. The urn arrives fully assembled and ready to display. The lid simply rests on the body for easy removal.

Can this piece be customized?

Yes. Brass & Wood offers customization of the brass finish across Gold, Silver, and Antique Gold variants. For bespoke inquiries regarding size or painted motif, please contact our atelier directly.