Chinese Double Lotus Base

Tidy, evenly carved petals ring this block above and below its narrow waist.

This double lotus base is from China. It is marble. In China, carved stone bases and pedestals were made to support statues, vessels and ritual objects, and lotus petals are among the most common decorations. The top disc is smooth and ivory, with a wavy border under it, then rounded lobes, ridges and another petal ring. A band of fine line pattern sits above a plain foot with a blue-grey vein. It is 4 inches high and 5.5 in diameter.

Neat work, with the patience visible in every petal.