What are mantelpiece decorative urns?

These decorative objects are ornamental vessels designed primarily for display on mantelpieces during the nineteenth century. They draw inspiration from classical antiquity, often replicating ancient Greek and Roman forms. Makers constructed them from materials ranging from porcelain and stoneware to cast bronze, marble, and brass. They frequently appear as matched pairs or as part of larger garniture sets flanking a mantel clock.

How were cassolettes used?

Cassolettes functioned as versatile decorative objects with reversible lids. One side presented a solid decorative urn profile, while the inverted lid revealed a socket for holding a candle. This dual purpose made them popular accessories in nineteenth-century drawing rooms where lighting and ornament intersected. They allowed homeowners to adapt their mantelpiece display for evening entertaining.

How do I date a nineteenth-century urn?

Dating relies on stylistic markers, manufacturing techniques, and material combinations characteristic of specific periods like the Regency, French Empire, or Victorian eras. Examining the base, manufacturing marks, and mounting techniques provides further chronological clues. Neoclassical and Empire pieces tend to show restrained classical geometry, whereas later Victorian examples often incorporate heavier ornamentation or eclectic Revival styles. Comparing the piece to documented factory output from makers like Spode or Sevres helps narrow the date.

Where were Grand Tour urns made?

Grand Tour souvenirs were typically manufactured in workshops located in Italy, France, and England for travellers exploring classical sites. Italian artisans produced many bronze tazzas and marble pieces directly for foreign visitors. French and English foundries also created domestic interpretations of these antiquities. These objects served as tangible proof of a traveler's education and journey through European cultural capitals.

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Mantelpiece Decorative Urns

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These mantelpiece decorative urns bring classical elegance and sculptural weight to a room, drawing the eye instantly.

Old Paris Empire Style Porcelain Vase, France, C. 1820

19th century

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Old Paris Empire Style Porcelain Vase, France, C. 1820

From Gillers Antiques Ltd

£400

FOR SALE

vases

19th century

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Elegant Pair of Victorian Urns

From Loveday Antiques

£1,175

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

Pair French Marble Urns Cassolettes Decorative Empire Amphora Vase

19th century

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Pair French Marble Urns Cassolettes Decorative Empire Amphora Vase

From Canonbury Antiques

£2,250

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

19th century

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Grand Tour Bronze Campana Urn

From Baggott & Co.

£355

FOR SALE

metal

19th century

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C19th Pair Porphyry Flat Back Urns

From Gary Wright Antiques Ltd

£2,200

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

Rare Early Miles Mason Ironstone Vase, Chinoiserie Decoration, Regency Period, Circa 1810

19th century

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Rare Early Miles Mason Ironstone Vase, Chinoiserie Decoration, Regency Period, Circa 1810

From Gillers Antiques Ltd

£800

FOR SALE

vases

White Lidded Porcelain Urn, Signed Herend, 20th Century, Hungary

1920 - 1940

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White Lidded Porcelain Urn, Signed Herend, 20th Century, Hungary

From H & H Gallery

£1,200

FOR SALE

ceramics

Large Gilted Bronze 'Warwick' Vase by Barbedienne, Paris .

19th century

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Large Gilted Bronze 'Warwick' Vase by Barbedienne, Paris .

From David Wolfenden Antiques

£2,200

FOR SALE

metal

19th century

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Lovely Quality Antique Late 19th Century Porcelain Mantle Clock Garniture Set

From Rebecca Sarah Antiques

£875

FOR SALE

clocks

19th century

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Royal Crown Derby Urn

From Beech and Springs Antiques

£265

FOR SALE

ceramics

Turn a French cassolette upside down on your mantelpiece and suddenly your formal nineteenth-century drawing room accessory moonlights as a candlestick.

Pair Royal Doulton Art Nouveau Vases C1880

19th century

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Pair Royal Doulton Art Nouveau Vases C1880

From Aramis Antiques

£285

FOR SALE

vases

19th century

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19th-century French Mantle Clock Circa 1880

From Frank Craig Antiques

£900

FOR SALE

clocks

Antique Pair French Bleu Celeste Sevres Urns 19th C

19th century

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Antique Pair French Bleu Celeste Sevres Urns 19th C

From Regent Antiques

£1,325

FOR SALE

ceramics

Pair of Antique French Faience "Art Nouveau" Vases

1900 - 1920

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Pair of Antique French Faience "Art Nouveau" Vases

From Applecross Antiques

£495

FOR SALE

vases

Large Sevres Style Porcelain Garniture, C19th

19th century

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Large Sevres Style Porcelain Garniture, C19th

From Patrick Moorhead Antiques

£25,000

FOR SALE

ceramics

19th century

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Large Pair of 19th Quartz Marble Vases

From Mytton Antiques - Jerrard Nares

£1,100

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

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Mantelpiece Decorative Urns

Old Paris Empire Style Porcelain Vase, France, C. 1820

Elegant Pair of Victorian Urns

Pair French Marble Urns Cassolettes Decorative Empire Amphora Vase

Grand Tour Bronze Campana Urn

C19th Pair Porphyry Flat Back Urns

Rare Early Miles Mason Ironstone Vase, Chinoiserie Decoration, Regency Period, Circa 1810

White Lidded Porcelain Urn, Signed Herend, 20th Century, Hungary

Large Gilted Bronze 'Warwick' Vase by Barbedienne, Paris .

Lovely Quality Antique Late 19th Century Porcelain Mantle Clock Garniture Set

Royal Crown Derby Urn

Pair Royal Doulton Art Nouveau Vases C1880

19th-century French Mantle Clock Circa 1880

Antique Pair French Bleu Celeste Sevres Urns 19th C

Pair of Antique French Faience "Art Nouveau" Vases

Large Sevres Style Porcelain Garniture, C19th

Large Pair of 19th Quartz Marble Vases

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