Chinese Hexagonal Lotus Base

Observe a tidy little hexagon with a pinched waist and two rows of rounded buds.

This hexagonal carved lotus base is from China. It is marble. Stands and bases are a standard part of Chinese display tradition, where a carved support frames an object and sets it apart from the table. The hexagonal body has a flat polished top, a band of wavy decoration beneath it and two tiers of rounded lobes. The cream surface darkens to amber in the recesses, with a few small dark specks near the base. It is 5 inches wide, 5 deep and 4 high.

Compact, tailored and rather proud of its waistline.