Two‑handled urn‑vase with dolphin handles in black‑glazed terracotta, the swollen body decorated with raised leafy laurel branches, with flared neck and pedestal foot on circular base.
Italy, Grand Tour souvenir. 19th century.
H 41 cm, W 32 cm.
Perfect condition.
Inspired by ancient Greco‑Roman forms rediscovered during the excavations of Herculaneum and Pompeii, this type of neoclassical urn with dolphin handles belongs to the tradition of souvenir objects brought back from Italy by cultivated Grand Tour travellers. The piece forms part of 19th‑century Italian ceramics in neoclassical taste, distinguished by its elegant black glaze finish evoking famous ancient black‑figure wares and excavated bronzes
