Empire Neoclassical Crystal Urn Incense Burner - Gilt Brass Acanthus Tripod

Design & Inspiration

Place this urn on a console or side table and it commands the room before a single stick of oud is lit. The silhouette — a fluted crystal cup swelling outward from a narrow waist, then tapering to a circular plinth lifted on three scrolled legs — is drawn directly from the Neoclassical vocabulary that Napoleon's court designers codified in the early nineteenth century. These crater-form urns appeared on the mantels of Parisian hôtels particuliers, on the desks of generals, and in the grand salons of the Empire's most ambitious interiors. This piece faithfully reproduces that authority in a form sized for the modern home.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The body is formed from deeply faceted crystal, its vertical ribs catching and fracturing light with each shift in the room's illumination — warm amber in candlelight, cool silver under daylight. The brass mounts are cast and hand-finished to a rich gilt tone: a acanthus-leaf garland drapes across the upper body, four figural terminals anchor the rim, and a bold finial crown caps the vessel. The tripod base continues the theme — three scrolled acanthus legs rise from a repoussé-decorated circular platform, giving the piece a visual lightness that belies its substantial 4 kg weight. Every joint and mount is fitted by hand, a standard of finish consistent with Brass & Wood's commitment to faithful reproduction.

Dimensions & Details

Weight: 4 kg. Dimensions: N/A — please contact us for precise measurements. Available in multiple finish variants; the incense cup at the top is accessible for both resin and oud chip burning.

Handcrafted in Egypt

Each piece is produced by hand in Egypt by artisans working within a long tradition of metalwork and decorative arts. The casting, chasing, and gilding are completed in-house, allowing quality to be monitored at every stage. The result is a decorative object that carries the visual weight of a European palace interior while being finished to the standards that discerning buyers in the Gulf and Egypt expect from Brass & Wood.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this incense burner made from?

The body is faceted crystal; all mounts, the rim crown, the tripod base, and the incense cup are cast brass with a hand-applied gilt finish. No wood is used in this piece.

Is assembly required?

No. The incense burner arrives fully assembled and ready to display. The incense cup at the top lifts out for easy cleaning and refilling.

Can this be customized?

Yes. This piece is available in multiple brass finishes — Gold, Silver, and Antique Gold. Custom finish requests can be discussed with our team before production.