This is not your son’s fish tank. This very rare and interesting terra cotta aquarium was made in the late 1890’s by Jacob C. Cassel of Philadelphia.  The “U” shaped fish bowl or terrarium is made to look like it is assembled from small wood branches sitting on a beautiful faux bois base.  Inside it is painted with a rubbery aqua marine waterproof paint. We love it with just a single bloom so as not to detract from its intrinsic gorgeousness… or filled with goldfish would look cool too!

This piece is in wonderful shape, with wear consistent with its age. (there is one very, very small little crack on one side which you can see in the detail photo).