Pair of Early to Mid-20th Century Reconstituted Stone Mortar-Form Jardinières - 12½"

A striking pair of reconstituted stone jardinières from the early to mid-20th century, shaped in the form of mortars with compact, weighty bodies, thick walls, and four sturdy lug handles. The aggregate stone surfaces display mottled shades of chalky gray and limestone white, enriched with a living patina of moss and lichen. Each bowl is drilled at the base for drainage. The rims are gently worn, the edges softened by time, and small scattered chips testify to decades of outdoor use.

Reconstituted stone became a favored material for garden furnishings in the early 20th century, valued for its durability and for its ability to acquire the mineral depth of natural stone over time. The mortar form, with its solid profile and lugged shoulders, recalls centuries of utilitarian vessels once found in kitchens and workshops, here reimagined as enduring planters for the garden.

Their timeless silhouette and textured surfaces convey a presence that feels both elemental and timeless. This pair lends substance and authenticity to a landscape, whether placed on a terrace, flanking garden steps, or anchoring a gravel courtyard. They invite plantings of lavender, rosemary, or compact ferns that play against the mossy surfaces, yet they are equally compelling indoors as sculptural cachepots by an entryway or atop a console. Weathered and grounded, they bring a lasting sense of permanence and a poetic layer of texture to any setting.