Chinese Double Lotus Base

A rounded petal pattern circles this waisted block, softened by age and creamy brown staining.

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 upper tier has a braided border above plump petals, with a shallow ridge marking the narrow middle. A lower row of petals and a plain base follow, all pale ivory with tan dirt lodged in the grooves. It is 4 inches high and 5.5 in diameter.

Quietly sculptural, like a well-fed drum.