Indian Stone Pilaster

A lotus capital, a fluted column, and a green that means business.

Carvers in India made this pilaster in stone in the 19th century. Pilasters like this were commonly set beside doorways and arches to frame them. The piece is built on a rectangular slab, with a lotus-petal capital above a ribbed, tapering column that bulges into a leaf-carved base. The whole surface wears a vivid turquoise-green, deeper in the folds, with scattered chips showing a reddish base beneath. The back is flat.

About 69 inches tall, 14 inches wide. It rises to attention without being asked.