French Minerva Métal-Blanc Jardinière

A French métal-blanc jardinière, silver-plated, and marked MINERVA (Paris). Designed with classic neoclassical details, laurel swags, oval medallions, and a fluted lower frieze, resting on four paw feet. Beautiful, authentic wear to the silver plate that reveals the warm tones of the métal blanc beneath. Early 20th century. Maker’s mark stamped inside the foot.

Styling

A standout centerpiece for a console, dining table, or vignette. Style it with greenery, dried branches, or seasonal arrangements, or let it sit on its own as a sculptural accent. Its elongated shape pairs well with candlesticks, antique books, or layered holiday décor, true L’Appartement energy: elegant, lived in, and French.

Produced by Minerva, a Parisian workshop on Rue des Petites-Écuries known for crafting decorative wares in métal blanc and silver plate in the early 1900s. These pieces were designed to evoke the refinement of silver while remaining durable for hotel and restaurant service.
The motifs, laurel garlands, ribbon tied swags, and classical ovals reflect the enduring influence of Louis XVI and Empire revival design, which remained central to French metalwork at the turn of the century.