1950s French Garden Planter by Maison Chanal, Pari - 18" x 15¾"

This French fiber-cement planter was made in the 1950s by Maison Chanal in Paris, whose original label remains affixed near the upper edge. The tall, square form is raised on four rounded feet and fitted with simple metal carrying handles to the sides, while a drainage hole is positioned low on one side. The pale cream surface has developed a particularly characterful patina, with areas of flaking paint, exposed gray fiber cement, staining and traces of oxidation around the metal fittings. Some of the feet retain their original metal reinforcements, while others have lost them, resulting in a slight instability that remains minor. 

Its simple, almost utilitarian construction is typical of mid-century gardenware, when fiber cement was valued for combining durability with a lighter weight than traditional stone or concrete. The generous square proportions, together with the four rounded feet that lift the planter from the ground, give it a strong architectural presence, while its generous capacity makes it suitable for a large plant or small tree. Used on a terrace, in a courtyard or at the entrance to a garden, it brings both structure and the appealing texture of naturally aged garden furniture.