Antique Art Nouveau Planter by Villeroy & Boch – Authentic Collector’s Piece
This antique Villeroy & Boch planter originates from the Art Nouveau era around 1900 and combines elegant design with masterful craftsmanship. The delicate lavender-blue glaze and floral relief decoration make it a true eye-catcher in any interior.
Made of high-quality ceramic and adorned with genuine Art Nouveau ornamentation, this historic piece is perfect as a decorative flowerpot for vintage or country-style interiors, or as a unique collectible for antique lovers.
Historic Trademark: The Villeroy & Boch Merkur Mark
On the underside, you’ll find the original Merkur mark – a stamped symbol featuring the winged head of Mercury and two serpent-entwined staffs above the Villeroy & Boch banner. This mark was officially registered on March 18, 1876 at the Imperial Patent Office, following Germany’s new trademark law from May 1, 1875.
Along with the tower mark (embossed mark), the Merkur mark (stamped) is one of the most important trademarks used by Villeroy & Boch and serves as a hallmark of authenticity and historical value.
Dating and Origin
Below the scrollwork banner with the inscription “Villeroy & Boch,” two semicircles contain the name “Mettlach.” Beneath that is a serrated semicircle representing the 10-point star system used between 1890 and 1909 for dating production. The arrangement of points reveals the exact manufacturing year.
In 1910, this dot-based dating system was replaced. Instead, the Merkur mark may feature the inscription “GESETZLICH GESCHÜTZT” (legally protected). The addition of “Made in Germany” suggests this item was made for export.
Source: mettlachbuch.de
