Sèvres-Style Turquoise Ceramic Lidded Urn Vase with Hand-Painted Floral Medallion

Design & Inspiration

Few objects in the European decorative arts tradition command a room with the quiet authority of a grand Sèvres-style lidded urn. This commanding 80 cm vase, draped in the signature bleu céleste — the luminous turquoise that made the Manufacture Royale de Sèvres the envy of every court in 18th-century Europe — is a faithful homage to the golden age of French Rococo and early Neoclassical porcelain. Its amphora silhouette rises with confident elegance: a domed lid crowned by a gilt acorn finial, a swelling ovoid body balanced on a slender pedestal, and an ornately tiered brass base that anchors the entire composition with visual gravitas.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The body is crafted from fine ceramic, glazed in the characteristic vivid turquoise that distinguished royal Sèvres pieces from all imitations. Encircling the belly of the vase is a hand-painted cartouche — an oval medallion rendered with the delicacy of a miniaturist's brush — depicting a lush bouquet of roses, peonies, and wildflowers in the naturalistic tradition of 18th-century French flower painting. Surrounding the medallion, gold leaf scrollwork and trellis motifs echo the gilded ornamentation of the original manufactury's finest pieces. The twin scroll handles are cast in brass with graceful S-curve volutes, terminating at gilt collars that flow seamlessly into the ceramic body — a detail that speaks to the exceptional skill of the metalsmith. The stepped base, also in richly detailed brass, features foliate relief casting that grounds the piece with the weight and formality befitting a grand salon centerpiece.

Dimensions & Details

Standing 80 cm tall with a width of 31 cm and weighing 4 kg, this lidded urn vase commands attention on a mantelpiece, console table, or reception foyer. Its scale is perfectly calibrated: monumental enough to hold its own in an expansive room, yet refined enough for an intimate study or library. The lid is removable, and the interior may serve as a decorative vessel. Available in Gold, Silver, and Antique Gold brass finishes, allowing seamless integration with varied interior palettes.

Handcrafted in Egypt

Every piece is produced in Egypt by skilled artisans who carry forward centuries of decorative craft tradition. The ceramic body is individually glazed and kiln-fired, while the hand-painted medallion is executed by a trained decorative painter — no two pieces are perfectly identical, ensuring each vase retains the soul of a true handcrafted object. Brass components are individually cast, chased, and finished to complement the ceramic's vivid glaze. At Brass & Wood, we believe that luxury is not mass-produced — it is coaxed into existence, one careful brushstroke at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this vase made from?

The vase body is made from fine ceramic, glazed in turquoise. All ornamental mounts — handles, collar rings, and the base — are crafted from brass, available in Gold, Silver, or Antique Gold finishes. The hand-painted floral medallion is executed in mineral pigments fired onto the glaze surface.

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

Yes, as with all fine ceramic pieces, this vase should be handled with care. Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth. If necessary, wipe the ceramic surface with a lightly dampened cloth and dry immediately. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which may affect the vibrancy of the painted medallion over time. The brass components may be periodically polished with an appropriate metal polish.

Can this vase be customized?

Yes. Brass & Wood offers customization options including choice of brass finish (Gold, Silver, Antique Gold) and, for bulk or bespoke orders, alternative ceramic glaze colors may be discussed with our design team. Please contact us directly for custom order inquiries.