Decorative Orthoceras Fossil Marble Urn

Object Description

A very rare and unusual early 20th century decorative fossil marble lidded urn, ex. private collection of a gentleman collector.

Resembling marble, this urn is made from natural Orthoceras. Orthoceras is known for its black or grey colour, usually with straight conical shells, which for the purpose of this urn have been used to create a unique pattern that appears evenly spaced and runs in the same direction.

This rare and unusual specimen material was undoubtedly specially selected to create this decorative lidded urn. It is a superb and eye-catching ornament for an interior, sitting in pride of place at the centre of a dining table or console, the body positioned above a socle pedestal, removable lid domed in shape and complete with finial.

Additional Dimensions

Base ø 12 cm (4.72 in)

Object Condition

Good structural condition. Formed of 2 pieces: urn and lid. There are a few small chips: one to the top of the finial, another to the rim of the body that has been historically repaired.

Object Details