Indian Hand Carved Jali Work Mantle Ledge

Long slab lined up like a very patient row of tiny soldiers.

This hand carved sandstone jali work mantle ledge is from Rajasthan, India, and dates to the 18th century. A mantle ledge is the shelf above a fireplace, a place long used to display small objects, and a carved stone one adds pattern as well as a surface. Low rectangular slab with a repeated band of small upright motifs along the upper edge and a finer incised line below. The surface is weathered gray-tan, softened and chipped at the ends, with a rough, flat back. It is 56.5 inches wide, 6.5 deep and 7 high.

Repetition done with real commitment, start to finish.