Note: The sterling silver liner is of later date.
Karl Friedrich Schinkel worked primarily as an architect with a special interest in stage design and lighting. His first important commission for Queen Louise of Prussia was followed by numerous other commissions for Prussia’s elite and the government, and his classical architecture became the face of early 19th century Berlin. His furniture designs are much rarer, and were usually intended for royalty or important public spaces.
This jardinière was made to the highest standard, displaying the same architectural features that Schinkel would have used on the building for which it was intended: gothic trefoil arches form an arcade, and the lobed oval of the base is pierced with an oval centre and applied with turned finials lining the piercing. This highly elaborate design would have been echoed elsewhere, perhaps on a winding staircase. The richly figured crutch mahogany contrasts with the pale holly wood to create a dramatic effect, which would undoubtedly have complemented its surroundings, either matching the design of wooden panelling or corresponding to other furnishings.
A set of side chairs with inlaid back motif and identical contrasting timbers was designed by Schinkel for the royal residence the Prinz Albrecht Palais in Berlin. Little information on the original furnishings has so far come to light, but further research may confirm a German imperial provenance.