Indian Allah Wall Niche or Temple

Rosette on top, small heads in the corners, and a stepped doorway.

This stone niche comes from Gujarat, India, and is dated to the late 19th or early 20th century; the record titles it Allah Wall Niche or Temple. Niches like this are commonly built into walls to hold lamps or offerings. A large rosette with scrolling leaves crowns a central arched opening, with a faceted lattice of small diamonds above it. Two small faces sit in the top corners, and bulbous carved columns flank the doorway above a stepped threshold. The stone is a warm tan, dusted with age.

About 27 inches tall. Heavy, handsome, and well suited to a quiet corner.