• United States, early 19 th century, glazed terracotta

The Moravians made simple green-glazed flowerpots in the late 18th and early 19th century.

Artist/supplier: Westmore Pottery, United States

Netherlands, 17 th century, terracotta

This typical 17th-century Dutch flowerpot has scallop-shaped handles that facilitate hauling the potted plant in and out of the glasshouse.

Artist/supplier: Whichford Pottery, England

• United States, early 20 th century, glazed ceramic

By the early 20th century, manufacture of pots by machine had phased out most of the country potters.

Artists/suppliers: Robinson Ramsbottom (large pot), U.S. Unknown (two smaller pots), United States

• United States, early 20 th century, glazed ceramic

By the early 20th century, manufacture of pots by machine had phased out most of the country potters.

Artists/suppliers: Robinson Ramsbottom (large pot), U.S. Unknown (two smaller pots), United States

• United States, early 20 th century, glazed ceramic

By the early 20th century, manufacture of pots by machine had phased out most of the country potters.

Artists/suppliers: Robinson Ramsbottom (large pot), U.S. Unknown (two smaller pots), United States

• France, 20 th century, glazed teracotta

This traditional French potter, like Errington Reay in the UK and Gladding, McBean in California, makes roof tiles and pipes in addition to glazed flowerpots. This design uses motives from the sea-coiled roap swages, oyster-shell flowers, and faces from a ship's masthead.

Artist/supplier: Patrick Lefebvre, L'Atelier Vert, France

• United States, early 20 th century, glazed terracotta

Gladding McBean, established in San Francisco, California in 1875, has carved a niche for itself with heavy, colorful garden ware.

Artist/supplier: Gladding McBean, United States

• England, mid-19 th century, terracotta

These two Victorian designs were depicted in a fashion illustration (c. 1825) in Ackermann's repository of arts, literature, fashion, etc., a monthly periodical from England.

Artist/supplier: Guy Wolff, G. Wolff & Son Pottery, U.S.

• United States, 19 th century, terracotta

The glazed flowerpot with attached saucer is the most common American 19th-century flowerpot design.

Artist/supplier: Guy Wolff, G. Wolff & Son Pottery, U.S.

• United States, late 19 th century, glazed terracotta

This decorative flowerpot is a highly ornamental Wisconsin design.

Artist/supplier: Joel Huntley, Wisconsin Pottery, United States

• United States, 21st century, glazed ceramic & metal

This pot is an authentic "Architectural Pottery" design. The company's planters and containers have become an icon of contemporary design.

Artist/supplier: Vessel®, United States

• United States, mid-20th century, fiberglass and metal

After World War II, designers experimented with ways to use new materials. Using fiberglass to make a planter made sense, because fiberglass is so light-weight and resiliant, the piece needs a metal frame to give it stability and strength.

Artist/supplier: Kimball of California, USA