Indian Fountain with Lion Motif

A lion with one job, and water to do it with.

This fountain with lion motif comes from Rajasthan, India, and dates to the 20th century. It is carved marble. Wall fountains like this were made for the courtyards and gardens of Indian palaces and grand homes, where running water cooled the air and pleased the guests. A lion's mask spout sits below a heart-shaped cartouche and scrolled backplate. A lobed, gadrooned basin catches what falls, above a scrolling pedestal. Fifty-six inches high and twenty-six wide.

He has kept a straight face throughout.