Neoclassical Hand-Cut Crystal Lidded Urn Vase with Ornate Brass Mounts

Design & Inspiration

This lidded crystal urn vase draws its lineage from the golden age of Neoclassical decorative arts — the ateliers of late 18th-century Paris and Saint Petersburg, where master glassmakers paired brilliantly faceted crystal with gilded bronze ormolu mounts to create objects of extraordinary visual theatre. The ovoid body rises with effortless authority, its hand-cut lattice and vertical fluted neck catching and refracting light in the manner of the great Baccarat and Saint-Louis services that once graced imperial tables. The silhouette — a classical urn surmounted by a flame finial — is among the most enduring forms in European decorative art, evoking permanence, ceremony, and the quiet confidence of cultivated taste.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The vase body is formed from clear lead-free crystal, hand-cut by skilled artisans to reveal a precise geometric lattice across the belly — a pattern of interlocking arches and vertical columns that references the taille en losange tradition of classical crystal cutting. The fluted lower neck and ribbed dome base echo the vertical energy of fluted columns, a hallmark of Louis XVI Neoclassical design. The brass mounts are cast and chased by hand: the scrolling acanthus-leaf handles that sweep outward from the upper shoulder, the rope-twist collar at the waist, and the elaborately pierced plinth base — all finished in a rich warm brass tone. Four small scroll feet lift the base with characteristic elegance, their profile borrowed directly from period ormolu craftsmanship. The domed lid, cut to complement the body's faceting, is crowned by a slender flame or torch finial — the classical symbol of enlightenment and continuity.

Dimensions & Details

Weighing 4 kg, this vase carries the satisfying heft of genuine quality. The substantial brass plinth base provides a stable platform for the crystal body, while the overall vertical proportion creates an imposing yet refined presence. The piece ships as a minimal assembly — the lid and body are separate — and is packaged with professional protective materials to ensure safe delivery of this fragile luxury object.

Handcrafted in Egypt

Every piece bearing the Brass & Wood name is produced in Egypt by artisans trained in the traditions of European classical craftsmanship. The crystal cutting, brass casting, and hand-finishing of each mount are performed individually, ensuring that no two pieces are entirely identical. This commitment to handwork — in an age of mass production — is what separates a Brass & Wood decorative object from mere ornament. Each vase is inspected for clarity, symmetry, and the quality of the brass finish before leaving our workshop. We offer customization of the brass finish colour to suit your interior palette.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this vase made from?

The vase body and lid are crafted from clear hand-cut crystal. All mounts — the handles, collar, base plinth, and scroll feet — are cast brass, finished by hand. There is no wood in this product.

Is assembly required?

Minimal assembly is required: the lid simply rests on the vase body and the brass base collar connects to the crystal body. No tools are needed. Full instructions are included.

Can the brass finish be customized?

Yes. This vase is available in Gold, Antique Gold, and Silver brass finishes. Please select your preferred finish variant. Further customization enquiries are welcome — contact our team at Brass & Wood for bespoke options.