For a full set of photographs please click on this link : http://www.royaltyshop.com/ebay/collections/0/sam20a.html

One half of the circumference depicts cherubs astride and around a lamb like creature.
The other half depicts a group of cherubs engaging in revelry, playing pipes and carrying grapes.
Grapes would appear to be a central or main motif throughout this artefact.
Little is known about this other than it is continental and from the 19th century. We would very much welcome any input from anyone who has information they could impart about this item.
It is very solid and weighs 4.05 kg. It may be cast iron but we are unsure. It is in good order throughout with the most evident imperfections displayed in the photographs :
the reverse of the recumbent cherub on the lid has cracks/fissures in the metal
small breakage in the vine leaves on each handle.
To complete - this is a truly astounding urn or lidded casket with a style that verges on the rococco! It will most certainly be noticed wherever it gets displayed!