Rectangular form jardinieres were produced in both China and Japan during the nineteenth century, the Chinese pieces with a squared design and the Japanese with a more rounded form as here. Celadon glazed pieces with raised white slip decoration were made by the Japanese in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century usually as vases or plant holders in various forms. The quality varies according to the date of manufacture. This piece is an excellent example of the type, formed from good quality ceramic with a thick celadon glaze and well painted decoration, thickly applied. Dating is therefore most likely towards the end of the Meiji period (1868-1912) and in the late nineteenth century.