Vintage Majolica-Style Three-Frog Tripod Lotus Bowl Planter

Discovered during one of our dedicated "slow picking" sourcing trips, this extraordinary mid-century majolica-style planter is an absolute masterpiece of whimsical, high-drama design. Equal parts playful and sophisticated, the deep emerald-green basin is molded in the shape of a textured lotus leaf, cradled by three incredibly detailed figural frogs acting as sculptural tripod feet.

The true artistry of this piece lies in its high-relief, three-dimensional elements: a striking, open pink water lily blossom accompanied by a tightly wound pink bud climbs the front wall of the bowl on a thorn-detailed stem. Peer inside, and you’ll find a breathtaking pool of mottled teal and sea-green drip glaze that catches the light beautifully.

Whether styled on a moody wood mantle, a dark lacquered Chinoiserie chest, or placed beneath an ornate gilded mirror, this rare centerpiece bowl brings an unmistakable punch of maximalist soul to your home curation.

Condition Note: In magnificent vintage condition. The high-gloss glaze is bright and stable, showing only light, age-appropriate micro-crazing that beautifully authenticates its mid-century heritage. The unglazed bottom pads of the frog feet show clean, minor shelf wear consistent with age.

Product Specifications

• Dimensions: 7.5" Diameter (Width) x 4" Height

• Object Type: Figural Tripod Planter / Centerpiece Cachepot / Lotus Bowl

• Design Motifs: Three hand-finished figural frogs serving as tripod legs; high-relief sculptural pink water lily (lotus) blossom and closed bud on a thorny climbing stem

• Glaze Treatment: Rich, high-gloss emerald and forest green majolica-style glaze with a stunning multi-toned teal drip-glaze interior basin

• Era: Mid-20th Century (circa 1950s–1960s)

• Markings: Faint handwritten artisan incised mark on the raw earthenware underside of the foot pad

• Condition: Excellent vintage condition with zero structural chips, cracks, or repairs; beautiful, tight glaze crazing that adds authentic antique character

• Styling Persona: Ideal for Bold-Eclectic, Maximalist, Hollywood Regency, and Dark Academia interiors

F.A.Q.

• Does this vintage tripod planter have a drainage hole? No, this artisan ceramic bowl does not include a built-in drainage hole. To keep your plants happy while preserving the interior's stunning teal drip glaze, we highly recommend using it as a cachepot (dropping a plastic grower's pot inside) or filling the base with a layer of horticultural charcoal and pebbles before adding soil.

• How do I safely clean and maintain this majolica-style pottery? Because of the intricate, high-relief pink lotus petals and dimensional frog elements, this planter should only be gently hand-washed. Use warm water, a mild dish soap, and a soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloth to clean the crevices. Never place vintage majolica or glazed art pottery in a dishwasher.

• What are the exact dimensions of the planter? This centerpiece cachepot stands 4 inches tall and has a total maximum width (diameter) of 7.5 inches, making it a perfectly proportioned accent piece for console tables, floating shelves, or vanity styling.

• What is the origin of this piece? This planter dates back to the mid-20th century (1950s–1960s) and features an incised artisan mark on the underside. It represents the highly collectible era of whimsical, nature-inspired majolica-revival ceramics imported from premium European and Asian art registries.