Antique Castelnaudary Green-Glazed Terracotta Planter - 13½"

This glazed terracotta planter was made in Castelnaudary, southern France, in the late 19th or early 20th century. Its rounded body rises from a flared foot and swells toward the rim, framed by a pair of arched side handles. The surface carries its original green glaze, now softened and timeworn, with large patches of terracotta exposed beneath, creating a richly mottled effect. Contrasting yellow drips remain visible, adding warmth to the overall palette. The condition is consistent with long outdoor use, with glaze losses, edge wear, and surface irregularities that only enhance its rustic charm.

Castelnaudary became a center for terracotta production in the 19th century, known especially for large garden pots and planters finished in bold glazes. These vessels were both utilitarian and decorative, serving to hold citrus trees, laurels, and flowering plants in courtyards and terraces. Their robust clay bodies could withstand outdoor conditions, while the brightly colored glazes reflected the region’s tradition of ceramic craft. 

Today, this planter serves as a sculptural accent indoors or out. In the garden, it can cradle citrus, rosemary, or olive, its weathered surface harmonizing with stone, gravel, and greenery. Indoors, it becomes a dramatic cachepot or can stand empty, admired simply for its aged patina and sculptural elegance. Grouped with other Castelnaudary vessels of varying sizes and patinas, it creates a striking composition that feels both timeless and collected.