Pair of Willy Guhl Diabolo Fiber Cement Planters Dated 1973 - 31½"

A sculptural pair of Diabolo planters by Willy Guhl, each dated 1973 to the interior. Cast in fiber cement, their tall hourglass silhouettes rise gracefully from a broad foot to a narrow waist before flaring to generous trumpet rims. The form is instantly recognizable as one of Guhl’s most iconic designs, admired for its elegant balance and architectural presence. The surfaces display a beautifully weathered natural patina developed over decades outdoors, with soft mottled greys, chalky mineral deposits, and darker charcoal and ochre tones that add depth and character. One planter shows a crack near the rim that has been stabilized and will be professionally repaired.

Designed by the Swiss modernist Willy Guhl and produced by Eternit, the Diabolo first appeared in the 1950s and quickly became an icon of European garden design. The thin yet durable fibercement shells were cast in molds and hand finished, a technique that allowed the form’s balanced silhouette and practical stability. Their restrained geometry channels postwar functionalism while the tactile surface invites a more organic reading, a dialogue between Brutalist material and sculptural grace that defined Guhl’s enduring design vision in outdoor furnishings.

These planters bring strong architectural presence wherever they stand. Their tall, graceful hourglass form creates a striking vertical accent while the weathered fiber cement surface adds depth and character. They are particularly compelling flanking an entry door, marking garden steps, or standing poolside where their sculptural silhouettes frame the space. They can be planted with trailing ivy, small topiaries, or bright seasonal flowers that contrast beautifully with their restrained, sculptural mood, or with cacti or dry herbs to echo their raw, mineral character.