Research:
Of rosewood. Each of rectangular form, the shallow waisted dish with removable copper liner raised on four scrolled legs on bun feet.
The present jardinieres are a highly unusual exercise in chinoiserie, based primarily on form rather than decoration, in a synthesis of Chinese and Japanese design. Often, European furniture forms were imbued with the grammar of Asian ornament. Here however, it is the shape that derives from containers called suiban, shallow dishes used for the display of suiseki (stones), saikei (miniature landscapes) and, especially, bonsai (miniature trees).
While not meant to serve as bonsai planters themselves, the jardinieres are intended for indoor, tabletop use and would have encouraged the same spirit of smaller-scale horticultural cultivation and enjoyment within the Regency home to which they belonged as the traditional Asian custom that inspired their design.
Full research report available on request.