French Country · Encyclopedia · Garden Antiques
Cachepot
Decorative pot covers that hide plain flowerpots.
Planters, Pots & Urns · Indicative US retail $30–$600
At a glance
- Family: Planters, Pots & Urns
- Periods most often found: Most date from 1850 to 1950.
- Typical price: about $120; range $30 to $600 and more for exceptional pieces
- What drives value: Pairs, decoration
What it is
Cachepots, literally "pot hiders," are decorative containers that conceal a plain terracotta flowerpot. French faience and porcelain cachepots from Gien, Sarreguemines, Paris and Limoges, often painted with flowers and fitted with two handles or lion masks, were made in pairs for mantels and consoles; tole, brass and majolica versions followed.
How to identify and date it
Check for chips at the rim and foot, glaze losses and hairline cracks; drainage holes drilled in the base indicate later use as planters. Marks under the base identify the factory. Pairs are worth much more than singles.
Porcelain cachepots with handles; French faience and tole.
Periods and styles
Most date from 1850 to 1950.
How much is it worth?
On the US retail market, most cachepot examples ask around $120. Simple or worn pieces start near $30, while documented, signed or exceptional examples can pass $600. The main value drivers are: pairs, decoration. These are indicative ranges, not an appraisal; see our price guide for French antiques for the method.
Before you buy
- Confirm the pair
- Read marks
- Inspect rims
Living with it
A pair of cachepots on a mantel or console holds herbs, orchids or paperwhites.
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How we write these guides: identification notes are general guidance written by French Country; a style name, a region or a resemblance does not by itself date or attribute a piece. Price ranges are indicative US retail asking prices for antique and vintage examples in sound condition (dealers, specialist marketplaces and auctions), estimated and rounded as of November 2026; check recent sold results before relying on a figure. They are not appraisals or offers to buy or sell: condition, provenance and documentation can move a value far outside the range. For insurance, estates or sales, ask an independent, qualified appraiser for a written valuation.