Chinese Marble Pedestal

Thirty-two inches of marble with strong views on symmetry.

This pedestal comes from Hebei Province, China, and dates to the 19th century. It is marble. Waisted stone pedestals like this were used in Chinese gardens, temples and courtyards to raise sculpture, rocks and planters off the ground and into view. Bold key-fret bands cover the upper tiers and the base, with feathery leaves flaring above and below the square waist. A fret panel with a cross-shaped center marks the middle. The base steps out on a low, shaped foot. Twenty-two inches wide and thirty-two high.

Whatever goes on top will have to earn it.