New in Urns
1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage New in Urns
Stoneware
16th Century Danish Antique New in Urns
Stone, Marble
16th Century French Antique New in Urns
Stone, Granite
20th Century Italian Neoclassical New in Urns
Composition
Late 20th Century British Empire Revival New in Urns
Silver Plate
2010s American Modern New in Urns
Ceramic, Pottery, Wood, Hardwood, Maple, Reclaimed Wood, Scrap Wood, Oak
19th Century Antique New in Urns
Porcelain
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage New in Urns
Stoneware
1940s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage New in Urns
Ceramic
Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Revival Antique New in Urns
Bronze
17th Century French Antique New in Urns
Sandstone
21st Century and Contemporary Modern New in Urns
Brass
Early 20th Century English Edwardian New in Urns
Terracotta
Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique New in Urns
Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century Italian Neoclassical New in Urns
Ceramic, Pottery
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical New in Urns
Iron
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Revival New in Urns
Marble, Bronze
1890s Italian Antique New in Urns
Ceramic
19th Century European Neoclassical Antique New in Urns
Malachite, Ormolu
17th Century Peruvian Other Antique New in Urns
Pottery
Antique and Vintage Urns for Sale
Decorative vases and antique and vintage urns are statement objects for the home that can date back centuries. Ranging from pieces with intricate, hand-painted details to more minimal forms with abstract shapes, decorative vases and urns come in a range of styles and sizes.
An urn is a type of vase that typically has a cover, a narrow neck and a round body, sometimes with a footed pedestal. However, when a vessel is called an urn, this often denotes its purpose rather than its origin or shape. One of the urn’s most crucial roles was and remains to be to hold the ashes of people for funerary rites. Another type of urn is adorned with figures that tell a story or show a scene.
Some of the earliest vases were formed from clay or metal-like bronze. Mesopotamians used them not only for decoration but also for storage. In ancient Greece, vases and urns frequently depicted stories from mythology, showing images of the gods and heroes. In ancient Egypt, vases such as the amphora had ceremonial purposes.
Over time, vases grew in popularity among artists as a different kind of canvas for expression. Unlike many of the ancient examples, these vases were not always functional but instead made for a striking addition to one’s decor. Even a plain, solid-colored vase can add color or style to a room. Metal urns are elegant additions to your living room or foyer rather than outside, unless you’re partial to the alluring weathered patina that is expected to characterize an antique cast-iron garden urn.
Every interior designer will tell you that decorative objects are what make a house a home. Decorative objects trumpet the homeowner’s personality while bringing a room to life. For designers, they present an opportunity to express their creative vision.
When looking for a decorative vase, it’s important to note the design and also the size and shape. Decorative vases vary from those with a wide base to those with long slender necks. Browse decorative vases and an extensive ceramic urn collection on 1stDibs.