Neoclassical Swan-Handle Lidded Urn Vase with Brass Swag Mounts & Pinecone Finial

Design & Inspiration

There are objects that hold time within them — that carry in their form the memory of candlelit salons, gilded Parisian interiors, and the refined ambition of an era that believed beauty was a moral virtue. This neoclassical lidded urn vase is one such object. Inspired by the finest examples of Louis XVI decorative arts, it commands attention not through scale alone, but through the extraordinary precision of its brass mounts and the lustrous depth of its deep navy ceramic body. Placed on a console, a mantelpiece, or a reception desk, it transforms the surrounding space into a statement of considered taste.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The body of this urn is rendered in high-fired ceramic glazed in a rich, light-absorbing navy blue — a colour deeply associated with the Sèvres porcelain tradition favoured by the French royal court. The ceramic surface carries a mirror-like gloss that creates a dramatic counterpoint to the warm luminosity of the brass mounts. Each brass element is cast and hand-finished: the twin swan-form handles rise with naturalistic elegance from the shoulder of the vase, their necks arching gracefully, wings subtly defined. Between them, a draped swag festoon — a quintessential neoclassical motif symbolising abundance and refined ornament — falls in a gentle arc across the vase's widest point. The stepped square base, decorated with egg-and-dart banding and acanthus relief, anchors the composition, while the domed lid is crowned with a richly detailed pinecone finial, another hallmark of Louis XVI decorative vocabulary.

Dimensions & Details

Weighing 4 kg, this lidded urn vase has the physical presence and visual weight expected of a true decorative centrepiece. Its compact proportions make it equally at home on a shelf, side table, or as part of a curated vignette on a console. The piece is delivered fully assembled, requiring no additional setup. Available in multiple brass finish variants — each lending a distinct character to the overall composition, from warm polished gold to the patinated depth of antique finishes.

Handcrafted in Egypt

Every piece bearing the Brass & Wood name is produced by skilled Egyptian artisans who have trained in the traditions of European classical decorative arts. This urn vase is no exception. The brass elements are individually cast, cleaned, and hand-finished before being fitted to the ceramic body. The result is a luxury decorative object that faithfully reproduces the spirit of 18th-century European craftsmanship — made with pride in Egypt and destined for interiors that value authenticity, artistry, and enduring elegance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this vase made from?

The body is crafted from high-fired ceramic with a deep navy glaze. The handles, swag mounts, base, and lid fittings are all cast brass, hand-finished to the selected variant colour (Gold, Silver, or Antique Gold).

Is this vase fragile?

Yes. As with all fine ceramic and brass decorative objects, this piece should be handled with care. We recommend placing it in a stable, low-traffic location and dusting gently with a dry cloth. Avoid direct sunlight to preserve the ceramic glaze and brass finish.

Can the brass finish or ceramic colour be customised?

Yes. Brass & Wood offers customisation options on select pieces. Please contact our team to discuss alternative finishes, colours, or bespoke requirements for this urn vase.