The Fez Cobalt & Filigree Lidded Urn

This imposing lidded urn is a masterwork of Fassi craftsmanship, standing as a testament to the centuries-old artistic traditions of Fez, Morocco. It commands attention with a striking interplay of textures and materials, blending earthy ceramics with regal metalwork. The body of the urn is hand-thrown earthenware, serving as a canvas for a mesmerizing geometric lattice. Thick, vibrant cobalt blue glaze is applied in a technique that mimics the appearance of inlaid zellige tile, creating a raised, mosaic-like pattern of stars and interlocking shapes against the dark, natural clay base. Crowning the piece is elaborate metalwork, hand-fashioned from a white metal alloy, likely German silver. Artisans have painstakingly embossed and chased these bands with intricate floral motifs, scrolls, and geometric borders that encircle the neck and the tiered lid. The metal has acquired a warm, aged patina, adding to its antique charm and historical feel. The lid itself is topped with a prominent metal finial, completing the urn's stately silhouette. Historically used in grand Moroccan homes for storing precious goods or simply as a decorative centerpiece in a tiled courtyard or salon, this urn is more than a vessel; it is a piece of cultural history. Its commanding size and intricate detailing make it a focal point in any interior, bringing a touch of Moorish splendor and authentic North African artistry to a contemporary or traditional setting.