Eugène-Victor Collinot, Japanese planter, Circa 1870, glazed earthenware and rimmed enamels

This splendid rectangular planter was designed by Eugène Collinot. The four legs are shaped like acroteria in the manner of ancient Greco-Roman temples. They are decorated with antique yellow motifs. On the body of the planter, one side features a motif of pink flowers, probably those of a Japanese cherry tree. On another side, small yellow flowers surround a tree branch. The other two sides also feature a plant motif. The entire upper rim of the planter is punctuated with the same pink and yellow flowers as on the sides. The deep blue background is typical of Collinot’s work. In addition, the Japanese cherry blossom motif testifies to the artists’ interest in the Far East.