Indian Stone Architectural Capital

Looped, leafed and a little weathered at the edges.

This stone architectural capital was carved in India in the 19th century. Capitals originally topped columns or pilasters, and pieces like this now often serve as bases for tables or sculpture. A plain round abacus crowns a tier of overlapping, pierced leaves. Below, scrolled volutes curl at the corners, joined by an interlaced knotted band with a small rosette beneath. The stone is a warm sandy tan, with pale traces in the recesses and a few chips at the base.

About fifteen inches high and seventeen across. Weight, history and shadow in one block.