Neoclassical Empire Ceremonial Urn Vase on Pedestal with Gilt Swag & Floral Medallion

Design & Inspiration

Rising to a commanding 105 cm, this ceremonial urn vase embodies the grandeur of the Neoclassical and Empire traditions — an era when European decorative arts aspired to the majesty of ancient Greece, Rome, and imperial France. Mounted atop a stately octagonal pedestal finished in deep ebonized black, the composition carries the visual gravitas of a museum centrepiece. The vertical fluting of the cylindrical drum, the cascading gilt swag garlands suspended between bosses, and the ornate crossed-ribbon cartouches along the plinth base all speak directly to the vocabulary of late 18th- and early 19th-century European palace interiors.

Materials & Craftsmanship

Every element of this piece reflects painstaking handcraft. The ceramic body is finished in a lustrous ebony black glaze, providing a dramatic canvas against which the hand-applied gilded brass mounts — swags, ribbons, bead-and-reel borders, and acanthus-scrolled capitals — stand in brilliant relief. The urn itself features a hand-painted floral medallion cartouche in warm ochres and ivory, framed by a turquoise enamel collar and intricate gold arabesques. Ring handles with scrolled acanthus terminals flank the urn's shoulder, while the finial cap echoes the ebony-and-gold palette of the base. Brass mounts are cast and chased by hand, achieving the crispness of ormolu work that defined Empire-era luxury objects.

Dimensions & Details

This decorative urn vase stands 105 cm in total height with a 40 cm base diameter, making it a statement floor piece or a commanding accent for an entrance hall, salon, or formal reception room. The octagonal pedestal base provides stable, deliberate footing while the segmented column and widening plinth create an architectural rhythm that draws the eye upward to the hand-painted urn crowning the composition. Weight: 4 kg. Minimal assembly required to unite pedestal sections with the urn.

Handcrafted in Egypt

Crafted in Egypt by Brass & Wood's specialist artisans, this piece faithfully reproduces the decorative language of Neoclassical and Empire-period European luxury objects. Our craftsmen apply time-honoured techniques — hand-cast brass mounts, hand-painted ceramic medallions, and meticulous gilding — to deliver a replica of museum-quality presence at an accessible price point. Each piece is individually inspected before dispatch, ensuring the integrity of every gilt detail and painted surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this vase made from?

The vase and pedestal body are crafted from high-quality ceramic with an ebonized glaze finish. Decorative mounts, swag garlands, bead borders, and ornamental cartouches are cast brass with a hand-applied gold finish. The hand-painted floral medallion is executed in ceramic pigments with turquoise enamel accents.

Is assembly required?

Minimal assembly is required — the pedestal and urn sections are designed to fit together securely with no specialist tools needed. Full assembly instructions are included with each piece.

Can this piece be customized?

Yes. Brass & Wood offers customization options including alternative brass finishes (Antique Gold, Silver) and, on request, custom paint schemes for the ceramic medallion panels. Please contact our team for bespoke commissions.