Abstract: The present invention is directed to molten metal vessels and molten metal holding furnaces containing a molten metal vessel. The molten metal vessel has a double-layer structure that includes an inner layer vessel in the form of a nonoxide-containing fired casting, and an outer vessel layer made from a calcium silicate refractory. The inner layer of nonoxide-containing fired casting can be obtained by firing in a reduced atmosphere a box-shaped vessel having an open upper side and prepared by casting a monolithic refractory comprising primarily of a silicon carbide material or silicon nitride material. The outer vessel layer of calcium silicate refractory can be obtained by casting calcium silicate monolithic refractory around the inner vessel layer, and thereafter curing, solidifying and drying the resulting casting.