Neoclassical Ceramic Lidded Urn Vase - Emerald Green with Floral Cartouche & Swan Handles

Design & Inspiration

Few decorative objects command a room with the authority of the grand covered urn vase, and this piece — faithfully inspired by the celebrated Sèvres porcelain tradition of 18th-century France — does so with effortless distinction. Rising in a graceful elongated silhouette from a stepped, gilded base to a slender finial-topped lid, its deep emerald green ground immediately signals the aristocratic palette favored by the ateliers of Louis XVI. This is not merely a vase; it is a sculptural proclamation of refined taste, equally at home on a marble console in a formal reception hall or as the centrepiece of a curated collector's display.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The body is formed from high-fired ceramic, hand-painted with rich emerald green enamel and overlaid with intricate gold latticework borders — a technique echoing the fond vert and gilded treillis panels characteristic of authentic Sèvres production. The focal cartouche presents a hand-rendered bouquet of roses, wildflowers, and garden blooms in a warm sepia-toned reserve, framed by gilded acanthus scrollwork. Swan-form side handles — cast in brass with fine chased detailing — emerge from acanthus-leaf mounts, their graceful arched necks referencing the Empire period's passion for naturalistic ornament. Gilded brass mounts at the base, neck, and lid add structural elegance while reinforcing the piece's opulent character. The finial atop the lid echoes a classical flame or bud motif, completing the compositional harmony.

Dimensions & Details

Weighing 4 kg, this substantial urn vase carries a pleasing visual weight that commands presence without overwhelming a space. Its tall, slender proportions make it ideal for placement on pedestals, console tables, or mantelpieces where vertical drama is desired. The secure-fitting lid allows it to function as a fully covered decorative urn. Every surface detail — from the graduating rings at the foot and neck to the gilded gadroon border above the base — reflects the meticulous standards of hand finishing applied at every stage of production.

Handcrafted in Egypt

Every piece in the Brass & Wood collection is handcrafted in Egypt by artisans trained in the classical European decorative tradition. Drawing on generations of skill in ceramic painting, metalwork, and gilding, our craftsmen reproduce the aesthetic vocabulary of the great European manufactory traditions with genuine fidelity. Each urn is individually finished, meaning no two pieces are precisely identical — a hallmark of true handcraft. From Cairo's workshops to your home, this vase carries with it the pride of Egyptian artisanal excellence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this vase made from?

The body is high-fired ceramic, hand-painted and glazed. The handles and mounts are cast brass, finished in your choice of brass color variant. No wood is used in this piece.

Is this vase fragile? How should I care for it?

As a ceramic piece with applied brass hardware, this vase is classed as fragile and should be handled with care. Dust regularly with a soft dry cloth. For light soiling, wipe gently with a barely damp cloth. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight, which can affect the painted enamel colors over time. Do not submerge in water.

Can the colors or design be customized?

Yes — Brass & Wood offers customization options on select pieces. Please contact our team to discuss alternative colorways, finish options for the brass mounts, or bespoke sizing requirements.