Indian Fountain with Layered Design

A stepped pyramid of gold-toned layers topped with a small pale knob

This fountain with layered design is from Rajasthan, India. It is makrana marble. Carvers in Jaipur are described as working in close communication with the marble, seeing each deity or figure within the boulder and knowing how hard to hammer, chisel and etch. A low tray of stacked, shrinking tiers, each edged in a rope-like border of gilded tones. A small rounded finial sits at the summit. The corners curve in a soft scalloped outline, with dark green fields between the rims. It is 72 inches long, 34 deep and 34.5 high.

A wedding cake for a very formal occasion.