Rococo Crystal & Brass Ashtray with Floral Scroll Handles
Categories:
Design & Inspiration
Few decorative objects capture the exuberant spirit of eighteenth-century European luxury as completely as a finely wrought Rococo accent piece. This handcrafted crystal and brass ashtray draws its inspiration directly from the Louis XV period (1730–1770), when French craftsmen elevated even the most functional objects into works of art. The asymmetric silhouette — a floral spray handle on one side and an open rocaille scroll handle on the other — is a deliberate and authentic echo of Rococo's defining rejection of perfect symmetry, replacing it with organic, nature-inspired movement that delights the eye from every angle.
Materials & Craftsmanship
The bowl is crafted from clear crystal, its surface enriched with hand-engraved floral and foliate motifs that catch and scatter light with every shift of the gaze. Set upon a cast brass base finished in a lustrous metallic tone, the piece rises from four scrolled acanthus-leaf feet that fan outward in characteristic Rococo fashion. The two side handles — one a naturalistic spray of blossoming flowers with leaves, the other an elaborate open-work cartouche of intertwined scrolls and foliage — are individually cast and finished by hand, each a miniature sculptural composition in its own right. The joinery between crystal bowl and brass base is precisely fitted, underscoring the standard of craftsmanship Brass & Wood brings to every piece produced in Egypt.
Dimensions & Details
At 23 cm in width and 12 cm in height, this ashtray occupies a generous yet refined footprint suited to a side table, writing desk, salon console, or reception surface. Its visual weight is substantial — the brass base and crystal bowl together register 4 kg — communicating permanence and quality. The contrasting textures of engraved crystal and polished cast brass create a tactile and visual dialogue that rewards close inspection.
Handcrafted in Egypt
Every piece bearing the Brass & Wood name is produced in Egypt by artisans trained in the classical European metalwork and glasswork traditions. The brass components are sand-cast and hand-finished; the crystal is individually engraved. No two pieces are absolutely identical — minor variations in the engraving and casting are the hallmark of genuine handcraft rather than machine production. This piece faithfully reproduces the character of a period Rococo objet de vitrine, bringing the grandeur of eighteenth-century European decorative arts into the contemporary interior without compromise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials is this piece made from?
The bowl is clear engraved crystal; the base, feet, and both handles are cast brass with a metallic hand-applied finish. No wood is used in this piece.
Is assembly required?
Minimal assembly is required — the crystal bowl rests on and is secured to the brass base upon arrival. No tools are needed.
Can this piece be customised?
Yes. Brass & Wood offers customisation of the brass finish colour (Gold, Silver, or Antique Gold). Please contact our team before placing your order to discuss options.
