Indian Lamp Base with Lotus Motif

Petals stacked on petals, rising to a ribbed globe and a little crown on top.

This lamp base with lotus motif comes from Rajasthan, India, and is contemporary, made of camel bone and sheesham wood. Bone inlay over a wooden core is a long-practiced craft in Rajasthan, where artisans fit small cut pieces together almost like a mosaic. The column flares from a rope-edged foot into a fluted, bell-like body, then rises through two tiers of open lotus petals. A ribbed sphere and a small capped finial complete the top. The creamy panels catch the light along every flute. It is 17 inches high and 7.5 wide.

Very nearly a chess piece, and considerably more useful.