Antique Chinoiserie style lapis lazuli and ormolu urn

The lapis lazuli urn is composed of a bulbous body which stands on a circular foot. This is set on a pierced ormolu (gilt bronze) base which is raised up on four scrolled feet. The lapis body is mounted with two ormolu handles. These feature elephant heads with rings balanced on their trunks. The tops of the handles are composed of geometric scrolls with floral terminals. The urn is topped by a domed lapis lazuli lid, the base of which is edged with an ormolu wreath-patterned band, and its top is crowned with an ormolu pomegranate finial.

In its style, the urn is inspired by Chinese decorative arts. This type of Chinese-inspired French design is known as Chinoiserie (from the French, 'chinois'). The urn is fanciful and elegant in its form and decoration.

This urn could be purchased as a single item or combined with this pair of vases, which are of identical style and origin. Together, the items would form a beautiful three-piece garniture.