Early 20th Century Italian Dini E Cellai Signa Terracotta Planter, Jardiniere
DESCRIPTION~ Very Rare Antique Italian signed and numbered Dini e Cellai Signa Terracotta Cachepot Planter, Jardiniere. Whimsical mythological scenes of Roman Gods, and Goddesses intertwined in ecstatic playful revelry at sea.
Its allegorical narrative depicts aquatic mythological figures associated with the Roman Goddess of Love, Venus, who arose from the sea, and Neptune, the Roman god of sea.
This aquatic mythological bas-relief further employs an abundance of sea nymphs, dolphins, mythical sea creatures, many of which are intertwined in embraces. Some are playing instruments; a harp and a stringed lute among them.
Featured prominently amongst the creatures is a pair of resplendent winged horses, associated with Neptune. In Greek Mythology the winged horse Pegasus was sired by Poseidon. The Greeks and Romans share many mythical tales.
This amazing planter was curated in San Francisco and is over 100 years old. It was in a grand garden for many years, as a centerpiece, elevated to allow a 360 degree view of the aquatic revelers and has developed a gorgeous patina that only time and elements can create.
***Note ***There is a triangular opening in the bottom purposefully for drainage as this housed plants outdoors. This can be repaired if you prefer, at no additional cost- by a professional restorationist who specializes in pottery (in San Francisco).
DIMENSIONS~ 14”W x 14”D x 11"H
STYLES~ Hollywood Regency, Italian, Traditional
PERIOD~ Early 20th Century
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN~ Italy
ITEM TYPE~ Antique ~ 100+ years; circa approximately 1900-1910
MATERIALS~ Terra Cotta
CONDITION~ Very Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections - see images
COLOR~ Cream with beautiful aged patina
CONDITION NOTES
Excellent vintage condition, no cracks. Again, as mentioned and shown in images there is a triangular opening in the bottom for drainage which can be repaired upon request before shipping. Please advise if you’d prefer a single hole be left or a complete repair restoring it to the original cachepot design~ which is a type of planter wherein you place a pot within a pot to prevent drainage.
HISTORY~ DINI E. CELLAI was established in Lastra a Signa, Seven Miles West of Florence.
Since 1885 the DINI & CELLAI Ceramic manufacturers were active in Tuscany, as potters in Castenuovo di Garfagnana.
They created neoclassical style products in their patinated terracotta.
In Helen Zimmern's 1906 book "The Italy of the Italians" she noted "An interesting new industry is that of the so-called Signa ware, a Species of Terracotta, in which Reproductions of Old and Modern Sculpture are made with Industry Wonderful Success
In this Medium, by Some Process Kept Secret, this Fragile Substance is Rendered Harder than Stone and Toned to an Agreeable Yellowish Tint, it is also Possible to Reproduce the very Aspect and Character of Bronze.
The Company was Particularly Successful in the Area of Architectural Ornaments and Garden Statuary and their Works Still Grace some of this Country's Finest Public and Private Gardens.
The Company Closed During the Beginning of World War II.”
See photos and feel free to ask questions.
I am happy to provide FREE SHIPPING, and Insurance for shipping of course.
White glove is available at an added cost.
Thank you for reading about this beautiful historic jardiniere.