Indian Allah Wall Niche or Temple, Based

Carved little niche with chevron borders and a stair-stepped recess.

This carved marble wall niche or temple, with base is from Rajasthan, India, and dates to the mid 19th century. Wall niches are recessed or framed openings used to hold a lamp, an image or a sacred text, and they appear in both domestic and religious architecture. Pale, sandy block with a square recess framed by diagonal zigzag bands on both sides. Inside, a stepped miniature structure rises behind a smooth floor. A carved scalloped border runs across the top. It is 8.5 inches wide, 6 deep and 9.5 high.

A tiny stage waiting for a tiny performance.