Early 20th Century, French Cast Stone Faux Bois Planter

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An early 20th century French cast stone planter in the "faux bois" style. Faux Bois meanint "false wood". Planters such … Read more An early 20th century French cast stone planter in the "faux bois" style. Faux Bois meanint "false wood". Planters such as this were made in small shops often with only a single craftsman. First a rough blank casting of the desired size was made, then the blank was coated with a layer of fine cement, as that coating dried, the craftsman would carve the surface to emulate the trunk of a tree, often including knots, splits, cut off branches and other naturally occuring features. This planter is thought to be the work of an unknown craftsman in the area around Limoges, in the west of France. The style of many of the faux bois craftsmen is very proprietary and can be easily attributed to them. This planter was found in the village of Montlucon a short distance from Limoges. Beyond the pleasing and realistic carving, the surface has an exceptional overall patina. It is in very good condition with the minor edge chips normally found on this type of planter. See less