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This plant stand and jardiniere, or ornamental flowerpot, were used in the Ballroom during Agnes and William’s time at Filoli. The masks on the side of the jardiniere are based on “pushou beasts,” ancient Chinese door knockers made to ward off evil dating back 3,000 years to the Shang and Zhou dynasties. Label
This plant stand and jardiniere, or ornamental flowerpot, were used to decorate the Ballroom while Agnes and William lived at Filoli.
The masks on the side of the jardiniere are based on “pushou beasts,” ancient Chinese figures used for ornamental door knockers. The beast depicted is holding a ring in its mouth, which was the knocking part of the “pushou”. Made of ceramic or bronze, these door knockers were common on tombs to protect against evil, and the motif dates back 3,000 years to the Shang and Zhou dynasties.
The base of this set is likely from the late 18th-Century, made in Italy in a neoclassical style. It features geometric floral designs above carved acanthus leaves on the legs.