A cachepot is a decorative outer pot designed to conceal a plain plant pot. It allows owners to display indoor greenery without water leaking onto furniture. These vessels generally do not feature drainage holes, meaning a separate inner container is necessary for watering living plants.

How do I identify Imari porcelain?

Imari porcelain is readily identified by its characteristic tripartite colour scheme of deep underglaze blue, vibrant iron red, and supplementary gold leaf. The decorative motifs often incorporate intricate floral patterns and traditional Japanese landscapes. These export wares date primarily from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, reflecting extensive trade between East Asia and Europe.

Were these planters used indoors?

These decorative vessels were made primarily for indoor domestic display within parlours, drawing rooms, and dining spaces. They accommodated potted plants, flowering bulbs, or cut stems to bring botanical elements into the home. Many historic examples include matching drip trays to protect indoor surfaces from excess moisture.