What is a cassolette?

A cassolette is a decorative vase featuring a lid that turns over to reveal a candle socket or burner. This allows the vessel to shift between a solid ornamental urn and a functional holder. In nineteenth-century French interiors, these pieces sat on mantelpieces or side tables as part of symmetrical arrangements.

Are these urns period or revival?

The majority of pieces found here date from the nineteenth century, created during the Louis XVI revival and neoclassical movements. They imitate the aesthetic of eighteenth-century French royal courts. Master artisans of the later period utilised older decorative vocabulary to produce high-status decorative items for bourgeois homes.

How do I live with them?

These urns suit placement on mantelpieces, sideboards, or pedestals where their silhouette and contrasting stone and metal can be appreciated. Many surviving examples have been converted into table lamps to function in modern rooms. Position them away from direct heat sources to protect the stone and the historical gilt surfaces from unnecessary wear.

How do I clean marble and ormolu?

Dust the stone and metal components gently with a dry, soft microfiber cloth to prevent grime accumulation. Avoid abrasive cleaners, water, or chemical solvents that strip the historical gilding from the bronze mounts. Treat the polished marble surface with care to preserve its original sheen and prevent staining.