Most likely carved in Northern Italy for the collector market, this planter, which may have originally been sold as a mortar, is carved from a hard, dark gritstone. Having profuse decoration throughout, the main body of planter has a vine and grape motif interspersed with mythical beasts. The base decorative band is of a cross hatch design with the top band embellished with an intertwined rope motif, sided by two lion masks. Please note there is a large circular drainage hole to one side.