Sèvres-Style Cobalt Ceramic Covered Urn Vase with Hand-Painted Floral Medallion

Design & Inspiration

Few objects in the decorative arts command a room with the authority of a grand covered urn. This majestic piece draws its lineage directly from the celebrated Manufacture de Sèvres — the French royal porcelain manufactory that defined luxury ceramics from the mid-18th century onward. Standing at an impressive 70 cm, this handcrafted urn arrests the gaze with its deep cobalt ground, luminous gilt scrollwork, and an exquisitely hand-painted central medallion depicting a bouquet of roses, peonies, and summer blooms rendered in rich amber and cream tones. The domed lid, crowned with a sculpted finial, and the elegantly curved handles mounted in ornate brass, complete a silhouette that is unmistakably Rococo-Neoclassical in spirit.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The body of this luxury decorative vase is formed from high-quality ceramic, finished in a deep cobalt blue glaze that recalls the iconic bleu de roi ground of authentic Sèvres pieces. The surface is enriched with hand-applied gilt scrolling acanthus and rocaille arabesques, framing the central cartouche where skilled artisans have hand-painted a naturalistic floral composition — a technique requiring hours of painstaking brushwork and multiple kiln firings to achieve proper depth and luminosity. The brass mounts — handles, collar bands, base surround, and finial — are cast and finished by hand, adding sculptural weight and the warm glow characteristic of fine ormolu-style metalwork. Each piece is individually inspected to ensure the painted medallion and gilt decoration meet Brass & Wood's exacting standards.

Dimensions & Details

This covered urn vase measures 30 cm in width, 23 cm in depth, and 70 cm in height, making it a commanding presence on console tables, mantelpieces, entrance hallways, and reception spaces. It weighs approximately 4 kg, providing satisfying heft and stability. The proportions — a broad, gently bombé body tapering to a slender pedestal foot and a gracefully domed lid — are faithfully inspired by the classical amphora form interpreted through the lens of 18th-century French decorative arts. Available in multiple brass finish variants to suit your interior palette.

Handcrafted in Egypt

Every piece in the Brass & Wood collection is brought to life in Egypt by artisans who have inherited generations of craft tradition. The hand-painting of the floral medallion, the application of gilt decoration, and the fitting of the brass hardware are all executed by hand, ensuring that no two pieces are entirely identical. This is not mass production — it is considered craft, where each urn is a small act of cultural continuity, connecting the grand decorative traditions of 18th-century Europe with the skilled hands of Egyptian makers today. Customization of brass finish and certain decorative elements is available upon request.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this vase made from?

The body is crafted from high-quality ceramic with a deep cobalt glaze and hand-painted enamel decoration. The mounts, handles, base trim, and finial are cast brass, available in multiple finish options including Gold, Silver, and Antique Gold.

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

Yes, as a ceramic decorative piece, it should be handled with care. Dust gently with a dry cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners, direct sunlight (which may fade the hand-painted decoration over time), and damp environments. The brass elements may be lightly polished periodically with a brass-appropriate cloth.

Can this vase be customized?

Yes. Brass & Wood offers customization of the brass hardware finish. Please contact our team for bespoke requirements regarding finish variations or special commissions.