Antique Minton majolica jardiniere by Carlo Marochetti

The body of the jardiniere is spiral fluted, and festooned with colourful garlands of flowers and fruit, including grapes and oranges all on turquoise ground. It has twin handles, which take the form of rams' heads, and its top rim is decorated with an egg and dart border in blue, white and orange. The base of the jardiniere is circular and takes the form of a green laurel wreath with pink ribbons.

The design for the jardiniere was created by Baron Carlo Marochetti (Italian, 1805-1867), a sculptor who spent most of his later years in London. There he is best known for the public monuments he created in the 19th Century, including the bronze equestrian statue of Richard the Lionheart, outside the House of Lords in Westminster.