{"product_id":"antique-french-louis-xvi-revival-alabaster-gilt-bronze-cassolette-urn","title":"Antique French Louis XVI Revival Alabaster \u0026 Gilt Bronze Cassolette Urn (c. 1880s)","description":"\u003cp\u003eA commanding presence from 19th-century France — the golden age of Napoleon III decorative arts.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis antique cassolette urn is an authentic French Louis XVI Revival garniture ornament, dating to circa 1870–1890. The main amphora body and square plinth base are carved from natural veined white and butterscotch alabaster, while the decorative mounts — scrollwork handles, acanthus leaf collar, floral bouquet finial, and garland applique — are cast in heavy gilt bronze and brass (ormolu) with a rich, undisturbed antique patina. The underside bears traditional 19th-century construction: a central square iron threaded rod with a square nut securing the carved components together, supported by turned brass bun feet — a hallmark of period French manufacture.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCassolette urns of this form were produced in France during the Napoleon III period for display on fireplace mantels, console tables, and library shelves as part of garniture sets. Pieces in complete structural condition with intact bronze mounts and clear alabaster veining are increasingly difficult to source.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKey Features \u0026amp; Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e France\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEra:\u003c\/strong\u003e Antique 19th Century — Napoleon III Period, circa 1870–1890\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carved natural veined alabaster (body \u0026amp; plinth), gilt bronze \/ brass ormolu mounts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12″ H × 5.5″ W\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMounts \u0026amp; Details:\u003c\/strong\u003e Floral scrollwork handles, acanthus leaf collar, top floral bouquet finial, square plinth base with hand-chased brass floral garland applique and brass bun feet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConstruction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Traditional 19th-century assembly — central iron threaded rod and square nut; period-correct construction throughout\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStyle:\u003c\/strong\u003e French Neoclassical, Louis XVI Revival, Dark Academia, Hollywood Regency, European Garniture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent antique — rich undisturbed metal patina, clear alabaster veining, full structural integrity consistent with age\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHow to Display It\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse as a standalone sculptural anchor piece on a fireplace mantel or entry console table\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePair alongside vintage leather-bound books, antique brass candlesticks, or dark botanical prints for a dark academia vignette\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDisplay inside an open cabinet or library bookshelf — natural light filtering through the carved alabaster vessel is particularly striking\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStyle as part of a symmetrical garniture grouping with matching candlesticks or a mantel clock\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eA Note on Napoleon III Cassolette Urns\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Napoleon III period (1852–1870) and its immediate revival aftermath produced some of the most ornate and collectible French decorative objects of the 19th century. Cassolettes — originally perfume-burning vessels — became purely ornamental garniture pieces in the Louis XVI Revival style, produced for the French bourgeois interior market and exported widely. Authentic examples combining natural stone carving with quality ormolu mounts are actively traded at specialist antique auctions and European decorative arts fairs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDo not wet or submerge the alabaster — alabaster is a calcium sulfate mineral and is sensitive to moisture. Dust gently with a soft dry cloth. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners on the bronze mounts. Handle by the body, not by the handles or finial. Intended for indoor display only.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eShipping\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePacked using double-boxed construction with specialized cushion support around the bronze handles and top finial to safeguard the carved alabaster stem during transit. Ships from our studio within 1–3 business days.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Marian Collection","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51441766269207,"sku":"TMC-ANT-URN-ALABASTER-FR-001","price":165.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0946\/2815\/1575\/files\/Photoroom-20251009_145338.png?v=1760626604","url":"https:\/\/themariancollection.com\/products\/antique-french-louis-xvi-revival-alabaster-gilt-bronze-cassolette-urn","provider":"The Marian Collection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}