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Enhance your home with terracotta column cups

Pillar Cups are pots to be placed on the columns of entrance gates of properties with gardens and courtyards. They can be defined as flower containers or monumental pieces

If your home has an entrance gate with columns, you might consider placing vases on top of the capitals for the pillars or columns. The terracotta vase is a decorative element used to enhance the columns or pillars of buildings or entrances. It consists of a flat base that adapts to the surface of the pillar or column, and a convex upper part, called the cup, which can be decorated with various designs and motifs. The cup can have a different shape depending on the style and historical period to which the building in which it is used belongs. For example, in some eras, the cup could have a bell or vase shape, while in other eras, it had a more square or geometric shape. The cups are often used to create a stylistic continuity effect of a building, linking the different architectural and decorative elements together.



Terracotta capital for column with pointed end

Terracotta pillar pots can be smooth or decorated with various elements, including:

  • Floral motifs: Flowers, leaves, and intertwined branches can be sculpted on the surface of the vase to create a natural effect.
  • Mythological figures: Sculptures of mythological figures, such as Greek or Roman gods and goddesses, can be used to decorate pillar vases.
  • Architectural elements: Architectural details, such as rosettes, acanthus, and volutes, can be used to create an elegant and sophisticated decoration.
  • Religious symbols: Religious symbols, such as crosses, angels, and sacred figures, can be used to decorate pillar vases in religious or spiritual contexts.
  • Geometries: Geometric shapes, such as triangles, circles, and squares, can be used to create a modern and minimalist decoration.


In most articles, the pillar vase is composed of two pieces: the container that will hold the flowers and the base, which are provided separately. The container is inserted into the base and must be cemented in place to prevent problems of falling due to wind or simply that the object may be stolen.



If your property has an entrance gate with columns, they can be decorated and enhanced by installing terracotta vases on top of them. The choice of style depends on your home's orientation, whether it is modern or rustic. Decorating entrances and gates dates back to the 16th century and is an important element in creating the final look of any environment

An element often present in the decoration of cups, even those defined as smooth, is the presence of fluting also called baccellato, a decorative element that is convex in shape with ribs, shell-shaped or leaf-shaped that is often found in the lower part of the terracotta cup. It usually consists of a series of symmetric folds that give the surface an elegant and sophisticated appearance. The Baccellato is a typical detail of classical architecture, also used in the decoration of modern or contemporary buildings inspired by this style.



Example of key elements of terracotta cup

It is also important to consider the proportion of the urn in relation to the building or entrance on which it is installed. If the urn is too small, it risks going unnoticed and not having the desired decorative effect. On the other hand, if the urn is too large, it may appear excessive and out of scale with the surrounding environment. For this reason, it is important to choose the right size based on the proportions of the building or entrance. In addition, it is also advisable to evaluate the color of the terracotta urn, choosing a shade that harmonizes with the elements present in the facade of the building or in the surrounding environment.
The sizes of the planters are generally for a base of 30-40 centimeters and a height that does not exceed 60 cm. However, larger planters are also produced to be placed on the ground or as bases for tables with glass tops. It is important to choose the type and size of the planter based on the dimensions and weight of the table that will be used to ensure stability and resistance. We recommend using support surfaces between the planter and the table to prevent any damage.


Large smooth urn used as a base for a glass table
Tech Features
Description: Urns and Cachepot
Product in: Tuscany - Italy
Row Material: Siena Clay, Galestro, Impruneta Clay
Tecnique: Hand Made Cast
Finishing: Sponged
Color: Terracotta
Outside Diameter: from 40 up to 90 cm
Base: about 30-40 cm
Height: from 30 up to 100 cm
Weight: from 10 to 100 Kg