Large Antique Terracotta Vase Jardinière with Medusa Handle, 1600s

Details

Description

Large antique italian terracotta urn / vase / jardinière / planter, louis xiv period (late 17th century - early 18th … Read more Large antique italian terracotta urn / vase / jardinière / planter, louis xiv period (late 17th century - early 18th century) monumental sculptural piece designed for both indoor and outdoor use.

this rare architectural terracotta urn-vase or jardinière is shaped as an amphora and it is a powerful example of italian decorative arts from the early 1700s, combining the exuberance of late 17th century louis xiv and baroque design with an early classical refinement that anticipates the louis xvi style.
it rises from a strong octagonal base and develops into a richly modelled body with deep fluting and classical relief decoration.

the surface is enriched with grotesque-inspired ornamentation, geometric motifs, egg and dart patterns, rosettes, and classical friezes, creating a layered visual rhythm typical of high-end antique garden sculpture and architectural terracotta.

the most striking feature of this monumental garden urn / vase / planter is the pair of sculptural handles in the form of expressive mascarons (mask faces) from which intertwined mythological serpent / medusa-inspired forms emerge. These serpentine handles function as both structural and decorative elements, transforming the object into a true sculptural artwork rather than a simple container.
this mythological detailing gives the object a strong decorative identity and makes it a true focal point in any setting.

the design language recalls baroque garden sculpture, mythological grotesques, and classical revival ornamentation, making this piece highly relevant for collectors searching for antique terracotta urns, large garden vases, architectural planters, or statement jardinières.

constructed in two sections (base and body), a significant technical detail indicating late 17th - early 18th century craftsmanship and traditional kiln production methods.

ideal as a large outdoor garden urn, terrace or patio planter, interior architectural vase both on a plinth or column or as a floor free standing piece, or entryway statement piece, it brings immediate presence to both contemporary and classical interiors and creates a striking contrast between antique materiality, organic shape and materials and modern design.
a rare collectible object for interior designers and collectors seeking monumental antique terracotta garden sculpture with strong decorative identity, original patina and architectural scale in unbelievable good condition

measures:
height: 70 cm
maximum width: 80 cm
interior mouth diameter: 34 cm
octagonal base: 36 x 36 cm

two-part construction (base and body), an important detail indicating antique artisanal terracotta craftsmanship and high-level kiln technique.

* urn / vase / jardinière / planter (all distributed naturally)
* 18th century / early 1700s / baroque / louis xvi style / transitional neoclassical
* mascaron / mask handles / serpent handles / medusa / mythological grotesques
* garden urn / architectural vase / outdoor planter / interior sculpture See less