A strikingly large French 1930s composite stone basket planter with handle, retaining its original painted finish and rich aged patina - a charming and timeless statement of French garden design heritage
At a Glance - Appeal, Desirability & Collectibility
• Date: 1930s
• Origin: France
• Type: Large decorative garden planter
• Material: Composite stone with original painted finish
• Design: Basket-weave form with arched handle
• Delivery is not included - please use the Request Delivery Quote before completing your order
• Authentic French heritage piece with original surface and beautifully weathered patina
• Distinctive wicker-look design combining rustic charm with sculptural form
• Generous scale makes it a commanding garden or interior focal point
• Ideal for floral displays, seasonal planting, or as a decorative sculptural feature
Heritage, Craftsmanship & Historical Note:-
This impressive French composite stone planter dates from the 1930s and captures the romantic essence of interwar garden design. Modelled in the form of a woven basket complete with a high arched handle, it evokes the rustic craftsmanship of traditional French horticultural décor. Retaining traces of its original painted finish beneath layers of natural weathering, the piece now possesses a soft patina enriched by decades of outdoor use - a surface that speaks of authenticity and time.
French garden ornamentation from this period favoured sculptural pieces that balanced beauty and durability. Composite stone offered both - able to withstand the elements while allowing a high level of decorative detail. The basket’s textured weave, deep bowl, and bold handle combine strength with romantic form, making it as visually captivating today as it was nearly a century ago.
Explore Every Facet:-
Up close, the surface reveals a harmonious blend of texture and tone - the soft chalky white of the original finish mingling with traces of terracotta beneath. The interior bears evidence of past use, with natural mossing and patina that add to its organic beauty. Each contour of the woven design catches the light differently throughout the day, making it especially evocative when placed in changing natural light.
Its generous proportions allow for imaginative display: brimming with geraniums in summer, ivy and bulbs in spring, or simply left unplanted as a sculptural garden feature. Indoors, it becomes a bold decorative statement - a perfect counterpoint to clean contemporary lines or a natural companion to rustic interiors. Our images form an essential part of the condition report for complete purchasing confidence, ensuring a true visual record of its character and craftsmanship.
Styling Suggestions:-
Perfect for cottage-style gardens, terraces, or patios, this French planter can anchor a floral arrangement or stand alone as a sculptural accent. Its scale and handle lend height and visual balance, ideal beside pathways, beneath pergolas, or flanking entryways. Indoors, it works beautifully in garden rooms or conservatories, adding texture and authenticity to curated spaces. When illuminated in the evening, the form casts elegant shadows that enhance its architectural presence.
Sustainable Style:-
Thank you for considering antique and vintage garden design - a choice that celebrates craftsmanship, heritage, and sustainability … in every sense, the most sustainable item is the one that endures
Sustainability begins with what already exists; 1930s French Composite Stone Basket Planter with Handle – Large Antique Garden Feature exemplifies the sustainable elegance of vernacular craftsmanship. Each piece is a sustainable alternative to new production, preserving the artistry and material integrity of its era. By collecting and re-using antiques, you contribute to a circular tradition where beauty and function endure across centuries. . Antiques represent an elegant form of environmental stewardship, preserving beauty and material integrity across generations.
Purchase with Confidence:-
At White’s Antiques, every piece is described and photographed with care, ensuring complete transparency and confidence in your purchase. We are an established and successful business serving both trade and private collectors. You are warmly invited to visit our shop at 53 High Street, Arundel, and our Showroom at The Vinery, Poling, West Sussex, to experience our curated collections first-hand, explore the stories behind each antique, and appreciate these timeless treasures in person.
measurements
Height:
81 cm
Diameter:
82 cm
measurements
declaration
Whites Antiques has clarified that the 1930s French Composite Stone Basket Planter with Handle – Large Antique Garden Feature (LA551327) is genuinely of the period declared with the date/period of manufacture being 1930s