Chinese Wood Base

A dark, scalloped stand with an openwork waist of curling vines.

This sandalwood base is from China. A carved base raises an object off the surface and gives it a defined edge, a practice that is long established in Chinese display of small sculptures and stones. Oval stand with a wavy, multi-lobed outline and a flat black top inside a molded rim. The deep waist is pierced with scrolling, leafy openwork and swells outward into sturdy, curved feet. It is 4 inches wide, 3.25 deep and 1.75 high.

Heavy on drama, light on empty space.