Chinese Vessel with Key & Floral Motifs

A long marble trough with a band of leaves and a wavering stripe.

This marble vessel with key and floral motifs was made in China and is dated in the record to the 19th century or earlier. Stone troughs of this form are commonly used as planters or basins. The rectangular bowl sits on a shaped base with curled feet. Around the sides run a band of carved leaf shapes above a key-fret border. A natural grey-brown vein cuts across the white stone from rim to foot. The surface is smooth, a little chalky.

About 18 inches wide and 6 tall. A planter with its own pedigree of weather.