Neoclassical Fluted Crystal Urn Mantel Clock with Gilded Brass Foliate Mounts

Design & Inspiration

Few objects command a mantelpiece with the authority of a grand urn clock, and this Neoclassical Fluted Crystal Urn Mantel Clock from Brass & Wood recaptures that regal tradition with breathtaking fidelity. Inspired by the celebrated atelier clocks of late-eighteenth-century Paris — pieces that graced the salons of Versailles and the libraries of Napoleon's court — this composition marries the purity of cut crystal with the warmth of hand-gilded brass in a dialogue that is at once architectural and deeply sensory. The towering urn rises with commanding vertical presence: its deeply fluted body catches and refracts light with every shift in the room, while the gilded lid, crowned by an elaborate floral finial of cast roses and leaves, draws the eye ever upward. Flanking acanthus-scroll branches spread outward like the arms of a baroque candelabrum, anchoring the composition and lending it the visual weight of a piece twice its size.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The body of the urn is fashioned from optically clear, hand-cut crystal, its vertical ribs ground with precision to create the characteristic play of prismatic light associated with the finest European crystal traditions. At the shoulder of the urn, a gilded brass collar is chased with a continuous garland of laurel and rosette — a defining motif of Louis XVI ornament — from which delicate drop chains descend in graceful swags, echoing the festoons carved into the base plinth below. The base itself is cast in solid brass, its rectangular form engraved with fine acanthus leaf borders, draped swag reliefs, and classical egg-and-dart moulding along the apron. Four scrolled sabots lift the entire composition from the surface, providing both stability and an elegant finishing flourish. At the front centre of the plinth, a precision quartz movement is housed within a cylindrical drum case, its white enamel dial displaying Roman numerals with a red-tipped seconds hand — a discreet and refined horological detail that never overwhelms the sculptural spectacle above.

Dimensions & Details

Weighing 4 kg, this mantel clock carries the satisfying heft of a genuinely substantial object — one that communicates quality through its physical presence alone. The quartz movement ensures accurate, low-maintenance timekeeping, requiring only a standard battery replacement. Every brass element has been cast, hand-chased, and finished to a polished or antiqued standard depending on the chosen variant, ensuring a consistent luminosity that coordinates beautifully with gilded mirrors, console tables, and upholstered seating in the classical tradition. Available in multiple brass finish variants to suit a range of interior palettes, from bright gold to antique gold and silver.

Handcrafted in Egypt

Every piece bearing the Brass & Wood name is produced in Egypt by artisans who have inherited generations of metalworking and crystal-cutting expertise. Our craftsmen work from authentic European period references, faithfully reproducing the proportions, ornamental vocabulary, and finishing standards of the great Parisian ateliers. The result is a luxury mantel clock that carries genuine artistic integrity — not a mass-produced facsimile, but a handcrafted work that honours the legacy of Neoclassical design for the contemporary collector. Each piece undergoes rigorous quality inspection before despatch, and is packaged with protective care to ensure it arrives in perfect condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this mantel clock made from?

The urn body is hand-cut crystal. All structural and ornamental elements — the collar, branches, finial, base plinth, and feet — are cast solid brass, hand-finished to the selected colour variant (Gold, Silver, or Antique Gold). The clock movement is a quartz mechanism housed in a brass drum case.

Is assembly required?

Only minimal assembly is required — primarily placing the urn atop the base and attaching the foliate side branches, which are designed to connect without tools. Detailed instructions are included with every piece.

Can this clock be customised?

Yes. Brass & Wood offers customisation options including alternative brass finishes and dial styles. Please contact our team with your requirements prior to ordering to discuss available options and lead times.