ORANGERIE BOWLS

Material: terracotta Origin: Chartres, France, early 19th century Measurements: Ø 26 cm x 9 cm high They come from the orangerie of a chateau in the Chartres countryside. This was a kind of refined greenhouse, a pavilion with marble or stone floors where, during spring and summer (when the trees were moved out to the garden), banquets, receptions, dances, and private plays were held. Made of terracotta, these bowls were used for germinating seeds and rooting cuttings. Currently, their aged patina with chalky touches gives them an "archaeological" appearance of great decorative character.