Rococo Brass-Mounted Ceramic Lidded Urn Vase with Hand-Painted Landscape Medallion

Design & Inspiration

Few decorative objects command a room's attention quite like a grand lidded urn vase in the full tradition of 18th-century French Rococo. Inspired by the celebrated Sèvres manufactory porcelains that once graced the salons of Versailles, this handcrafted ceramic urn vase captures the lavish spirit of Louis XV's court — where beauty was never restrained and every surface was an invitation to wonder. Standing 49 cm tall against a width of 24 cm, its silhouette is unmistakably noble: a swelling ovoid body that narrows to a spherical knop base, crowned by a tapering lid and an exuberant foliate brass finial that reaches skyward like a flame.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The body is crafted from fine ceramic, dressed in a rich deep teal-green glaze that evokes the storied ground colours of antique Continental porcelain — a hue that simultaneously recedes into shadow and catches ambient light with remarkable depth. Encircling the shoulder and base of the vase are elaborate cast-brass mounts finished in warm gold, their scrolling acanthus leaves and rocaille shell motifs cast with the precision of traditional French fondeur-ciseleur techniques. The paired handles sweep outward in bold Rococo S-scroll curves, each terminating in a rosette blossom, framing the vase with theatrical flair. The conical lid is crowned by an openwork brass finial of stacked acanthus leaves, a signature motif of the Louis XV decorative vocabulary.

Dimensions & Details

At the heart of the composition sits the centrepiece medallion: a cartouche of gilded brass acanthus surrounds a hand-painted pastoral scene — rolling hills, a cloud-drifted sky, and ancient trees rendered in the soft naturalistic palette of Rococo landscape painting. This oval tableau, measuring approximately 12 cm across, is the visual soul of the piece, echoing the painted porcelain plaques that 18th-century French cabinetmakers set into their finest commodes and secrétaires. Total height: 49 cm. Width across handles: 24 cm. Weight: 4 kg.

Handcrafted in Egypt

Every Brass & Wood urn vase is produced by skilled Egyptian artisans whose mastery of ceramic forming, hand-painting, and brass casting represents a living continuation of the classical European decorative arts tradition. The ceramic body is hand-thrown and kiln-fired; the brass mounts are individually cast and hand-finished before being carefully fitted to the ceramic form. The hand-painted medallion is executed by a dedicated painter, ensuring that no two pieces are ever identical. Proudly made in Egypt, combining European heritage with Egyptian artisan excellence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this vase made from?

The vase body is made from high-quality fired ceramic with a deep teal-green glaze. The mounts, handles, lid collar, and finial are crafted from cast brass with a gold finish. The hand-painted landscape medallion is applied by hand by a skilled artisan painter.

Is any assembly required?

Minimal assembly is required — the lid and brass finial are separate pieces that sit in place without tools, allowing for safe shipping and easy reassembly upon arrival.

Can this vase be customized?

Yes. Brass & Wood offers customization options including alternative brass finishes (Antique Gold, Silver) and, for larger orders, alternative ceramic glaze colours. Please contact our team to discuss your requirements.