Faux Bois Basket Palissy Majolica Planter

This small rectangular cache pot is modeled in lead-glazed earthenware as a trompe l'oeil tree trunk. The exterior bears an applied garland of green oak or bay leaves framing a central white rosette, set against the richly textured bark ground. The piece is raised on four branch-legs with naturalistically modeled feet. The interior is glazed in a mottled cream and brown. The base is unglazed cream earthenware bearing the impressed mold number "26" and a small drainage hole. No maker's mark visible.

The trompe l'oeil wood trunk form on branch legs is a well-documented model within the School of Paris Palissy tradition, associated with makers including Thomas-Victor Sergent, Victor Barbizet, and Georges Pull, all active in Paris in the 1870s–1885 period.

Good condition. A hairline crack visible on the base, not structural. Minor glaze wear consistent with age. No chips or repairs visible.

Period:  Circa 1870–1885

Provenance:  France

Materials:  Lead-glazed earthenware

Manufacturer:  Unidentified

Dimensions:  10H x 13W x 9D cm | 3.9H x 5.1W x 3.5D in