Indian Bench with Jali or Pierced-work Elements

A long daybed bench with a lace-cut back and room for three or a nap

This bench with jali or pierced-work elements is from Rajasthan, India, and dates to the 20th century. It is makrana marble. Makrana, in Rajasthan, is considered one of the oldest and finest marble quarries in India, and its purest marble consists of over 99 percent calcite, giving it a remarkably white hue. A low bench with a pierced central arch, lattice side panels and curled ends, all above a broad flat seat. Four short turned legs with ribbed swelling hold it up. The surface is pale and softly polished. It is 72 inches long, 24 deep and 43 high.

Part sofa, part monument, wholly intended to be admired.