Chinese Drum-form Pedestal or Base

Lotus petals with faint traces of blue still in them.

This stone drum-form pedestal or base was carved in Shanxi Province, China, in the mid-20th century. Drum-shaped stone bases are commonly used as seats and supports for display. A large lotus blossom with veined petals and curving leaves is carved on the side, with a line of small half-circles above. Small spots of blue pigment survive in the cream-gray stone. The top is flat and rough, with a thin molding at the base.

About ten inches tall and thirteen across. A little color, a lot of age.