Chinese Stone Fountain Planter

Acanthus leaves climb the pedestal, as if the stone had grown them.

Chinese stonecutters made this fountain planter in stone in the 20th century. Garden vessels of this form commonly serve as planters or small basins, set on terraces and in courtyards. A wide, shallow bowl sits on a short pedestal, with a rolled rim of carved leaves and a band of acanthus around the lower bowl. The pedestal repeats the leaf pattern and stands on a square plinth. The stone is a pale, even grey-white, crisp where it has been carved.

About 21 inches high and 20 wide. Pair it with geraniums, or with nothing at all.