Chinese Rectangular Vessel or Planter

A plain box of marble, and that is its whole argument.

This rectangular vessel or planter comes from China and is dated 19th century or earlier. It is marble. Shallow stone troughs of this type were used in Chinese courtyards and gardens to hold water, flowering bulbs or miniature landscapes, raising a little nature to where it could be studied. The walls are straight and undecorated, meeting at slightly raised corners above small feet. The surface is rough-textured and mottled in cream and brown, inside and out. Over 33 inches wide and six high.

It leaves the flowers to do the talking.