This pair of Empire period French cast iron garden planters were made by the Foundry D'Osne (note the brand on the label, on one of the urns). The shape is very unusual with an upright elongated lip, bell shaped middle decorated with faces and gadrooning underneath. The bases are square. The black weathered patina is striking - these would look stunning in any garden, on gate columns or indoors planted with bulbs or orchids.
Condition and patina consistent with age.
Approx. overall 19 ¾" high x 13 ¾" externally 10 ¼" diameter narrowest part of neck
Approx. overall 50cm high x 35cm externally 26cm diameter narrowest part of neck
Translated from French from Foundation du Patrimoine
The place and its history: the most important art foundry until the beginning of the 20th century Founded in 1836 by Jean-Pierre-Victor André, the Val d'Osne foundry specializes in the technique of artistic casting to manufacture street furniture and decorative cast iron. It quickly became the most important production of cast iron in France until the beginning of the 20th century. Several of his creations are still visible throughout the world (large fountain of Tourny in Quebec-1854, large fountain adorning Prince's Square, Launceston, Tasmania-1859). The Val d'Osne company also takes part in numerous universal exhibitions. We must remember the 1851 exhibition, in London at the Crystal Palace, which gave the Val d'Osne company international recognition: the monumental cast iron works were then showcased in this gigantic glass nave.
They also participated in the Universal Exhibition of 1855 in Paris, 1875 in Santiago, 1879 in Melbourne, 1878 in Guadalajara in Mexico (grand prize and two gold medals for a kiosk), and in 1889 and 1900 in Paris (Saint Paul - Le Marais metro station). It will often change its name during its history: Barbezat et Cie (1855), SA des Hauts Fourneaux et Fonderies d'art du Val d'Osne, SA des ETS metallurgiques in Durenne and Val d'Osne (or Durenne Val d 'Osne, 1931), General of hydraulics and mechanics (1971) before ceasing all activity in 1986.
