Antique 19th Century Cast Iron Urn with Original Pierced Lid

This 19th-century cast iron urn has an unusually sculptural scalloped form, deeply molded ornament, and a beautifully aged black finish. Its decorative relief continues down through the pedestal base, creating an almost shell-like silhouette with wonderful presence. Originally used on a wood fired stove to hold water and release moisture into the room, urns of this kind could also be used for potpourri. It is increasingly rare to find one with its original pierced top, an important detail that preserves the urn's distinctive shape and connection to the comforts of 19th-century home life.

Picture this holding a delicate maidenhair fern in your light-filled garden room, where fresh green fronds soften the dark iron beautifully. A striking accent on a console, in a conservatory, or with your favorite antique garden pieces. The original pierced lid offers another lovely possibility: using the urn for potpourri, allowing fragrance to become part of the welcome in a guest room or sitting room. Substantial, sculptural, and full of history, it's the kind of unusual antique that brings individuality and a sense of discovery to a well-loved home. In good condition for its age {1830-1840} one of the scallops has the tip missing. Fascinating piece of history, when gathering around the stove was the height of luxury!

• Measures 9" x 6" x 10-1/2"h.