Napoleon III Rococo Revival Ruby Crystal Covered Urn with Gilt Acanthus Mounts
Napoleon III Rococo Revival Ruby Crystal Covered Urn with Gilt Acanthus Mounts
Design & Inspiration
Place this covered urn on a console table or mantelpiece and the room changes register entirely. The deep ruby crystal body — faceted and ribbed to catch every particle of ambient light — commands attention the way a gemstone commands attention: quietly, inevitably. This piece is faithfully reproduced in the tradition of the Napoleon III / Second Empire decorative arts (1852–1870), an era that reveled in theatrical colour contrasts and the pairing of richly coloured glass or crystal with elaborately cast gilt bronze. The result was objects that functioned less as vessels and more as statements about refinement.
Materials & Craftsmanship
The body is formed from deep ruby-red crystal, vertically ribbed to create a fluted column of colour that shifts from crimson to garnet depending on the light source. Cast brass mounts — worked to the standard of traditional French fondeurs-ciseleurs — articulate every transition point: the acanthus-leaf base splays outward in three lobed sections, grounding the urn with visual weight; the shoulder band carries a frieze of cast foliate ornament with suspended festoon drops; the twin handles rise as scrolling acanthus branches, terminating in tight C-scrolls at top and leaf bursts below. The domed lid, ribbed to mirror the body, is crowned with a cast pine-cone finial ringed at its collar with a band of crystal beading — a detail that reveals the maker's awareness that every surface must earn its place. All brass elements receive a hand-applied finish for depth and warmth.
Dimensions & Details
Weight: 4 kg. This is a single-piece decorative urn with lid included. The substantial weight reflects the quality of the crystal body and the density of the cast brass mounts.
Handcrafted in Egypt
Every piece in the Brass & Wood collection is handcrafted in Egypt by artisans working in a tradition of decorative metalwork and glassware that stretches back generations. The ruby crystal body and the individually cast and finished brass mounts on this urn represent a significant investment of skilled hand labour — from the glasswork through to the final polishing of each acanthus leaf. This is not a mass-produced decorative object; it is a handcrafted replica honoring the legacy of Second Empire luxury craft.
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials is this urn made from?
The body is deep ruby crystal glass, and all mounts — base, handles, shoulder band, lid collar, and finial — are cast brass finished by hand. No wood components are present in this piece.
Is the lid included and removable?
Yes. The domed lid with pine-cone finial is included and sits securely on the urn body. It is removable, allowing the urn to be used as a vessel if desired.
Can this piece be customized?
Yes. Brass & Wood offers customization on the brass finish (Gold, Silver, or Antique Gold). Contact our team to discuss your requirements before ordering.
