Sèvres-Style Cobalt Blue Ceramic Lidded Urn Vase with Floral Medallion & Scrolled Brass Handles

Design & Inspiration

Few objects in European decorative arts command a room with the same authority as the grand covered urn — and this Sèvres-inspired lidded vase, dressed in deep cobalt blue glaze and richly appointed with hand-applied brass mounts, is no exception. Evoking the celebrated manufactories of 18th-century France, where royal patronage elevated ceramics to an art form, this handcrafted urn brings the splendor of the Rococo and early Neoclassical court aesthetic into the contemporary home. The cobalt ground — that unmistakable bleu de roi beloved by Louis XV and Louis XVI alike — provides a dramatic foil for the central hand-painted floral medallion: a bouquet of garden roses and wildflowers rendered in the soft, luminous palette of French porcelain painting.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The body is formed from high-fired ceramic, its deep cobalt glaze applied to achieve a rich, saturated depth that catches light with an almost lacquer-like intensity. The gilded trellis work overlaying the cobalt — a signature Sèvres decoration — is applied with meticulous care, creating a shimmering lattice that frames the reserved oval medallion at the urn's belly. Scrolled brass handles rise from gilded collar mounts at the shoulder, their sinuous acanthus and rocaille forms cast with fine detail that references the finest French ormolu work of the period. The stepped square base is cast in heavy brass, dressed with egg-and-dart molding and acanthus-leaf appliqués, providing a visually weighty plinth that anchors the composition. The domed lid is surmounted by a naturalistic grape-leaf-and-cluster finial, cast in brass and gilded — a motif that speaks directly to the Bacchic and pastoral iconography popular in Rococo-era decorative arts.

Dimensions & Details

Weighing 4 kg, this lidded urn has substantial physical presence — it is not a shelf trinket but a true statement centrepiece. The spherical knop separating the body from the base adds a distinctive visual pause, a hallmark of Sèvres grand vase forms. Every surface is considered: the interplay between the matte warmth of the painted medallion, the mirror-depth of the cobalt glaze, and the warm glitter of the gilded brass mounts creates a layered visual richness that rewards close inspection. This piece is available in multiple brass finish variants — Gold, Silver, and Antique Gold — allowing collectors to select the tone that best harmonises with their interior palette.

Handcrafted in Egypt

At Brass & Wood, every piece in our collection is born from a commitment to preserving the craft traditions of classical European decorative arts. This urn is handcrafted in Egypt by artisans trained in the techniques of hand-painting, ceramic glazing, and precision brass casting. The result is a luxury decorative object that faithfully honours the legacy of the great European porcelain manufactures — accessible, enduring, and made to be passed down. Each piece is individually inspected before leaving our atelier, ensuring that the quality of finish meets the exacting standards our clients expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this vase made from?

The vase body is crafted from high-fired ceramic with a deep cobalt blue glaze and hand-painted floral decoration. The handles, base, collar mounts, and finial are cast in brass with a polished gilded finish available in Gold, Silver, or Antique Gold variants.

Is assembly required?

No assembly is required. The urn arrives fully assembled and ready to display. The lid rests securely on the urn body and can be removed.

Can this piece be customized?

Yes. Brass & Wood offers customization options including alternative brass finishes and, for bulk or interior design orders, adjustments to the floral medallion palette. Please contact our team to discuss your requirements.