The wide central band of this footed and lidded urn is dignified by the presence of Apollo and three of  his female companions, the muses. The standing figures form a frieze, punctuated with naturalistic trees and other botanical elements beneath the handles. Elsewhere, the deep blackness of the solid jasper surface effectively sets off a series of ornamental elements including leaf forms, a twisted or "guilloche" border, and a double palmette device on the square base. The urn's most distinctive feature, however, are the white handles that pop up and curl almost like fern heads and carry a fine acanthus relief.

The muses that accompany Apollo can be identified quite specifically. Bearing a lyre is Erato, muse of amorous poetry. Bearing a theatrical mask is Melpomene, muse of tragedy. Looking thoughtful--perhaps wondering why she is shown without a symbolic attribute--is Polymnia, muse of sacred song. All were originally modelled by John Flaxman in the eighteenth century.

Neoclassical urns typically carry a sense of  sobriety and gravitas about them. Not so with this lightly scaled example which conveys a quality of gaiety--almost of frivolity. Perhaps the effect is due to the way the profile springs upward from the base to the widest point and then swoops in to the finial-like lid. Certainly the sprightly curve of the handles contributes to the impression. It seems like a vessel intended for the sumptuous quarters of the emperor's consort, rather than the formal halls of the court itself.