Authentic Mid-Century Willy Guhl Cupcake Planter For Eternit – Swiss Design

This exceptional mid-century sculptural planter is an authentic “Cupcake” form by renowned Swiss designer Willy Guhl, created for Eternit AG in the 1950s–1970s. Sometimes referred to as the “Moule à Gâteau” (French for "cake mold"), this planter is celebrated for its iconic, fluted silhouette and biomorphic, organic lines, a hallmark of Guhl’s work and Swiss modernist design.Willy Guhl was a pioneering industrial designer whose collaborations with Eternit AG helped define post-war European modernism. His use of fiber cement — a lightweight yet durable material composed of cement reinforced with natural fibers — allowed him to create fluid, expressive outdoor forms that were not only functional but artistically sculptural. The cupcake planter’s wave-like rim, bowl-shaped body, and architectural form make it a standout piece of mid-century garden design. These planters were originally intended to be both practical and weather-resistant, and today they’re coveted by collectors, landscape designers, and architects alike.This particular example has developed a beautiful, naturally aged patina over the decades, with surface variations in tone and coloration from exposure to the elements. You’ll find areas of moss green, rust orange, and mottled gray and white, each a testament to its time outdoors. Unlike newer reproductions, this original has the deep texture and surface character that only years of aging can produce.Its generous size makes it highly versatile: it can serve as a striking garden centerpiece, a dramatic indoor planter in a loft or gallery space, or even a decorative object with sculptural presence. Whether placed in a modernist courtyard, a lush greenhouse, or a minimalist interior, it offers an unmistakable touch of vintage European design.Highly collectible and increasingly rare, especially in this large size and condition, this piece represents the intersection of utility, art, and history, a timeless design that continues to inspire new generations of creators.