Indian Ornamental Base for Column

Stepped pavilions, worn down to their bones.

From Himatnagar, Gujarat, India, comes this ornamental base for a column, dated to the mid 18th century and carved in stone. Bases like this commonly supported pillars in temples or grand houses. The shape is sturdy: a central round step with two small domed shrines rising from the corners, each decorated with ribbed tiers and carved bands below. The stone has weathered to a mottled, cool gray with some losses to the corners and fine pitting across the surface.

About 24 inches wide. It can hold up a lamp, a plant or a pose.