Chinese Lotus Motif Vessel

Two rows of marble petals, and none of them will ever drop.

This lotus motif vessel is carved from marble and comes from China, dated 19th century or earlier. The lotus, rising clean from muddy water, has long stood for purity in Chinese and Buddhist imagery, and stone troughs like this one generally held water or plants in a courtyard or garden. Rounded petals wrap the long face above small feet. The interior shows ridged tool marks, and the surface looks granular and weathered. Twenty-three inches wide and six high.

Fill it or don't. The flowers are already in place.