Chinese Drum-form Pedestal or Base

A single flower, round and open, set into a rounded stone drum.

This drum-form pedestal or base was cut in stone in Shanxi Province, China, in the mid-20th century. Stone drums were commonly used as seats, garden furniture and display supports. The surface is pale, weathered and uneven, with carved vines curling from a single central blossom. A band of small circles runs near the top, and part of the drum shows darker stains. The shape is plump and symmetrical, with a flat top.

About ten inches tall and thirteen across. It will outlast every other thing in the room.