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Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively. 

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by legendary manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Period: 1960s
Mid-Century Modern Flat Planter by Willy Guhl for Eternit
Located in Doornspijk, NL
This planter is designed by Willy Guhl for Eternit of Switzerland. It is flat and slightly oblong and has a beautiful patina throughout. 1960s. Three available, listed separately.
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Cement

Tapered Round Concrete Willy Guhl Planter
Located in Houston, TX
Tapered round concrete Willy Guhl planter circa 1960s. Two available (see last picture) and priced individually at $1,400 each.
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Concrete

Willy Guhl Concrete Vase, 1960s Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic set of vases by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit. Great tabletop vase or planter in a unique weathered hand painted patina. Very unusual shape. Great indoors or outsi...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Concrete

Mid-Century Modern Flat Planter by Willy Guhl for Eternit
Located in Doornspijk, NL
This planter is designed by Willy Guhl for Eternit of Switzerland. It is flat and slightly oblong and has a beautiful patina throughout. 1960s. Three available, listed separately.
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Cement

Giant Cylindrical Concrete Tree Planter, 1960s Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Giant concrete drum planter by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit. This substantial cylindrical concrete planter is a wonderful and functional piece for your home or garden. Age ...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Concrete

Mid-Century Modern Flat Planter by Willy Guhl for Eternit
Located in Doornspijk, NL
This planter is designed by Willy Guhl for Eternit of Switzerland. It is flat and slightly oblong and has a beautiful patina throughout. 1960s. Three available, listed separately.
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Cement

Monumental Cylindrical Concrete Tree Planter, 1960s Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gigantic tree planter by the Swiss design house Eternit. Very difficult to find vintage planters large enough to plant and hold a large tree. Thi...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Concrete

Willy Guhl Concrete Urn, 1960s Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Concrete urns by Willy Guhl. Three available with varying degrees of patina and lichen. Rare model. Urns have a delicate cement ridge around the mouth as well as around the widest pa...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Concrete

Pair of David Cressey & Robert Maxwell for Earthgender Teardrop Sunburst Planter
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cylindrical pair of planters from Earthgender, David Cressey and Robert Maxwell’s early 1970s project. These 17.75” diameter examples are incised in the “Teardrop Sunburst” design wi...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Willy Guhl Large Handkerchief Planter by Eternit (multiple available)
Located in Baambrugge, NL
Beautifully shaped handkerchief planter by Swiss architect Willy Guhl. Manufactured by Eternit AG, who produced all of Guhl's designs. (two available, price per piece). Made from fi...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Other

Massive Willy Guhl Olive Jar Planter, 1960s Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Concrete olive jar planter by Willy Guhl with great patina and prominent presence. Simple and elegant design perfect for any garden or patio. Incredible yellow patina and excellent v...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Concrete

Colossal Willy Guhl Olive Jar Planter, 1960s Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oversized concrete olive jar planter by Willy Guhl with great patina and prominent presence. Simple and elegant design perfect for any garden or patio. Gorgeous speckled patina and e...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Concrete

Colossal Willy Guhl Olive Jar Planter, 1960s Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oversized concrete olive jar planter by Willy Guhl with great patina and prominent presence. Simple and elegant design perfect for any garden or patio. Gorgeous patina and wonderful ...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Concrete

Colossal Willy Guhl Olive Jar Planter, 1960s Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oversized concrete olive jar planter by Willy Guhl with great patina and prominent presence. Simple and elegant design perfect for any garden or patio. Excellent patina and vintage c...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Concrete

Gigantic Willy Guhl Tree Planter, 1960s Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gigantic tree planter by the Swiss design house Eternit. Extremely difficult to find vintage planters large enough to plant and hold a large tree. This would make a wonderful and functional piece for your home or garden. Painted greyish/white on its exterior, and is stamped to indicate its creation date, serial number and origin. Two other large Willy Guhl tree planters...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Concrete

1960s Calif Architectural Art Pottery Glazed Window Planter Box David Cressey
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Midcentury flame glazed organic modern window PLANTER box in the style of David Cressey and Malcolm Leland Architectural Pottery 1960s Unmarked. 10.5 T 33.75W x 13.75 D Light earth c...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Pottery

Mid-Century Modern Stackable Planter Element by Willy Guhl for Eternit
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Stackable planter frames designed by Willy Guhl and manufactured by Eternit, Switzerland. These planters can be stacked or used separately. We have 6 on stock.
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Cement

Willy Guhl Olive Jar Planter, 1960s Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Concrete olive jar planter by Willy Guhl with great patina and prominent presence. Simple and elegant design perfect for any garden or patio. Excellent patina and vintage condition. ...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Concrete

Rare Willy Guhl Biomorphic Pond for Eternit Switzerland, circa 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredibly rare biomorphic pond designed by Swiss Neo-functionalist and Industrial design pioneer Willy Guhl for Eternit in Switzerland, circa 1960s. Sculpted from Guhl’s typical fib...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Cement

Massive Willy Guhl Olive Jar Planter, 1960s Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oversized concrete olive jar planter by Willy Guhl with great patina and prominent presence. Simple and elegant design perfect for any garden or patio. Excellent patina and vintage c...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Concrete

1960s Plant Stand, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- Umapart top and wooden legs.
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Wood

Willy Guhl Planter, 1960s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Concrite planter by swiss architect Willy Guhl 1960s.
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Concrete

Midcentury Architectural Pottery Gunmetal Ceramic Planters by Gainey 'Set of 2'
Located in McKinney, TX
Set of two vintage MCM large gunmetal ceramic planter pots by Gainey Each measures 13" tall x 14" diameter Good vintage condition with light craquelure commensurate with age. ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Ceramic

Willy Guhl Concrete Urn, 1960s Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Concrete urn by Willy Guhl. Rare model. In a beautiful washed out patina from layers of finishes worn down over the years. Urn has a delicate cement ridge around the mouth as well as...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Concrete

Willy Guhl Vintage Jardiniere
Located in Austin, TX
Jardiniere, from Switzerland, by Willy Guhl for Eternit, circa 1968. This piece is made of free form concrete with the original lichen and patina.
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Concrete

Brutalist Planters, Willy Guhl Style, for “Rocalla”, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of two planters produced by the company "Rocalla" in the 1960s, made of fiber cement, inspired by Willy Guhl's outdoor designs. Two planters are in good condition, retain the ...
Category

1960s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Cement

Midcentury Architectural Pottery Black Ceramic Planters by Gainey 'Set of 3'
Located in McKinney, TX
Set of three vintage MCM large black ceramic planter pots by Gainey Two measure 9" tall x 11" diameter One measures 8" tall x 10" diameter ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Ceramic

Willy Guhl Saucer Bowl, 1960s Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Highly decorative and large outdoor saucer-shaped planter designed by Industrial Design Pioneer Willy Guhl and manufactured by Eternit Ag, Switzerland in the 1960s. Sculpted from ...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Cement

Chinese Porcelain Fish Bowl or Planter with Oriental Decorations, China, 1960s
Located in Naples, IT
Hand-painted Chinese porcelain garden vase or fish bowl depicting Chinese women in Kimonos, nature and flowers. The interior, also painted, depicts fish and seaweed.
Category

1960s Chinese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Porcelain

1960s Mid-Century Modern Bird Bath
Located in New York, NY
1960s Mid-Century Modern bird bath designed by a Virginia artist this one is one of only of 10 made, in vintage original condition with some wear and ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Cement

Vintage Willy Guhl Jardiniere
Located in Austin, TX
Jardiniere, from Switzerland, by Willy Guhl for Eternit, circa 1968. This piece is made of free form concrete with the original lichen and patina.
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Concrete

Rattan Bamboo Wicker and Brass Bowl Basket Centerpiece, Italy 1960s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This lovely bamboo, rattan, wicker centerpiece or bowl with brass trim was made circa 1960. This Mid-Century Modern decorative basket was handcrafted in Italy. The oval shape has a s...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Metal, Brass

Willy Guhl Concrete Urn, 1960s Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Concrete urn by Willy Guhl. Rare model. In a beautiful washed out patina from layers of white paint which have worn down over the years. Urn has a delicate cement ridge around the mo...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Concrete

Architectural Pottery Medium Black Tulip Planter
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful black glaze tulip planter by Architectural Pottery. This AP-3203 planter has a drum shape with a rounded lip that curves in at the top of the piece. Architectural Pottery...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Stoneware

Architectural Pottery Black Tulip Planter
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful black glaze tulip planter by Architectural Pottery. This AP-3206 planter has a drum shape with a rounded lip that curves in at the top of the piece. Architectural Pottery...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Stoneware

Midcentury Architectural Pottery Black Ceramic Planters by Gainey 'Set of 3'
Located in McKinney, TX
Set of three vintage MCM large black ceramic planter pots by Gainey Each measures 13" tall x 15" diameter Good vintage condition with ligh...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Ceramic

California Modern Pro Artisan Olive Green Stoneware Planter by David Cressey
Located in Los Angeles, CA
California Modern Pro Artisan Olive Green Stoneware Planter by David Cressey.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Stoneware

Midcentury Architectural Pottery Black Ceramic Planters by Gainey 'Set of 6'
Located in McKinney, TX
Set of six vintage MCM large black ceramic planter pots by Gainey Each measures 14" tall x 17" diameter Good vintage condition with light ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Ceramic

Willy Guhl Concrete Urn with Handles, 1960s Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Concrete urn by Willy Guhl in a heavy matte white paint. Urn has a delicate cement ridge around the mouth and two handles right under the upper rim. The body of the jar tapers down t...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Concrete

Willy Guhl Molar Planters
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scarce pair of molar planters, designed by Willy Guhl for Eternit. Arched triangular form cheekily resembles a tooth. Strong and robust, these garden planters are sculpted from fibro...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Concrete

Mid-Century Modern Gainey Architectural Pottery Clay Planter Pot Black Glaze
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Mid-Century Modern Gainey Architectural Pottery Planters Pots dark Satin Black Glaze Ceramic Pottery circa 1960. Most are Labeled on bottom. Made i...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Porcelain Fish Bowl or Planter with Oriental Decorations, China, 1960s
Located in Naples, IT
Hand-painted Chinese porcelain garden vase or fish bowl depicting Chinese women in Kimonos, nature and flowers. The interior, also painted, depicts fish and seaweed.
Category

1960s Chinese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Porcelain

Painted Ceramic White Swan Planter - Signed 1969
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A petite ceramic swan planter. Signed at the bottom, "Mother 1969" Dimensions: 10" Wide 7" Deep 9" Tall
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Willy Guhl, Concrete Pair of Spindle Planters, Eternit, 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Willy Guhl, spindle planters, manufactured by Eternit in the 1960s. Very nice patina, rare lower model with larger diameter!
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Concrete

Willy Guhl Concrete Bowl Planter, 1960s Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Impressive elevated concrete bowl planter by Swiss architect Willy Guhl. Dome shaped concrete base with a large built in concrete basin on top. Beautifu...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Concrete

Architectural Pottery M-2 Planter by Paul McCobb
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Exceptional ceramic planter model “M-2” designed by Paul McCobb for Architectural Pottery in the United States, circa 1960s. This planter has a shape that starts from a narrow neck a...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Ceramic

David Cressey Pro / Artisan Planter for Architectural Pottery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ceramic bowl planter from David Cressey's Pro/Artisan collection for Architectural Pottery. The planter has a gray speckled glazed interior and exterior, with slightly bowed sides an...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Ceramic

1960's French 3 Tier Plant Stand
Located in New York, NY
1960's 3 tier French metal plant stand, in vintage original condition with some wear and patina due to age and use.
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Terracotta Sculptural Planter Jardiniere Style of Picasso
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and large terracotta planter -Jardiniere in the style of Picasso. Faces on both sides of the planter. Floral headband across the top edge. In ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Terracotta

Pair of Willy Willy Guhl Biomorphic Pots or Planters by Eternit
Located in Baambrugge, NL
Beautifully shaped large pair of biomorphic pots by Swiss architect Willy Guhl. Manufactured by Eternit AG, who produced all of Guhl's designs. These pots look similar to the handker...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Other

Willy Guhl for Eternit Large Rectangle Concrete Outdoor Handle Planter
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This designer on-trend architectural 23.5" long rectangular concrete planter is by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, crafted circa 1...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Concrete

Willy Guhl inspired concrete Planter in cone shape made in England 1960’s
Located in London, GB
A Mid Century Modern or Modernist Concrete Planter from England 1960’s. Made from cast cement that is strong and durable, in an elegant tapered shaped cone, indicative of the mid-ce...
Category

1960s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Concrete

Stunning Mid-Century Modern Planter in the Style of Finn Juhl
Located in Miami, FL
Stunning Mid-Century Modern Planter in the style of Finn Juhl. Terracotta with paint finish. Needs to be restored or used in current condition. We can help.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Terracotta

Mid-Century Modern Architectural Double Cone Planter by Bauer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modern architectural double cone planter by Bauer.
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Ceramic

1960s Oak and Umakart Plant Stand, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- refurbished and cleaned.
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Oak

Pair of 1960's Vintage Mexican Folk Art Terracotta Head Face Planter Plant Pots
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this rare and collectable pair of Mexican circa 1960’s hand painted terracotta larger planter pots A very good...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Terracotta

David Cressey Cylindrical Stoneware Planter for Architectural Pottery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
David Cressey cylindrical stoneware planter for Architectural Pottery. Architectural Pottery was a Los Angeles company founded in 1950 by Max and Rita Lawrence. Prominent architects such as Pierre...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Green Willy Guhl Concrete Urn, 1960s Switzerland
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Concrete urn by Willy Guhl. Rare model in a beautiful washed out green patina with layers of finishes worn down over the years. Urn has a delicate cement ridge around the mouth as we...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Concrete

Mid-century Modern planters and jardinieres for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern planters and jardinieres for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage planters and jardinieres created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with stone, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern planters and jardinieres made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original planters and jardinieres, popular names associated with this style include Willy Guhl, Eternit, Architectural Pottery, and David Cressey. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for planters and jardinieres differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $95 and tops out at $36,500 while the average work can sell for $1,796.

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