Chinese Double Lotus Base

Cylindrical block with a pinched waist and two rings of lotus-style petals carved around it.

This double lotus base is from China. It is marble. Marble is a metamorphic rock formed from limestone, and its fine grain makes it suitable for carving and polishing into smooth surfaces. Flat top with a worn rim, then a zigzag border, a ring of rounded petals, a thin ridged neck and a second ring below. The color is pale ivory with scattered brown spots and a few chips at the base. It is 4 inches high and 5.5 in diameter.

Carved all the way round, in case anyone walks behind.