Very fine pair of turquoise and gilt cachepots by Rihouet

The superb pair of porcelain cachepots is by Rihouet, a leading French 19th century producer of porcelain. The firm was founded by Louis Marie François Rihouet, who in 1818 established himself in Paris as a porcelain decorator. In the early 1830s, the manufactory was moved to rue de la Paix in Paris, where it continued to produce very fine porcelain wares until 1853.

Cachepots are decorative planters that are used to conceal the less ornate potting containers. Both examples are of a very similar design. They are crafted from an unusual turquoise ground porcelain with the central cartouches depicting a lush polychrome bouquet including flowers such as peonies and carnations. A scrolling gilt border frames the flowers. A further nature-inspired gilt design flanks the cartouche and extends to the sides of the cachepots. A pair of gilt porcelain lion head-shaped features act as handles. The back is left plain drawing one’s attention to the detailed front.

The upper and lower parts of the cachepots are adorned with a fluted gilt banding. In between the banding and the gilt lip of the cachepot is a black Greek key pattern decorating the circumference of the antiques. A similar design can be spotted on the detachable bases of the cachepots creating a cohesive and eye-catching design.

On the underside, each cachepot is marked with ‘Rihouet / Rue de la Paix / No 7’ suggesting they were made sometime between the 1830s and 1850s when Rihouet operated at that address. Both cachepots have a central hole in the base allowing for the easy drainage of water.

Of an eye-catching design, this pair of cachepots would be a stunning piece of décor for both indoor and outdoor spaces.