Chinese Octagonal Vessel with Lion Motif

Eight sides, four lion faces, and rings in their teeth.

This octagonal vessel was made in marble in China, dated in the record to the 19th century or earlier. Vessels like this are often associated with the scholar’s table or the garden, where they may have held water or small plants. Each face is a flat panel, with lion masks on alternating sides holding rings in their mouths. The vessel sits on a stepped base with scalloped feet. The marble is creamy and pale, with soft age-darkened veining.

About 8 inches tall and 10 wide. Light in color, and heavy in presence.