Indian Stupa or Sacred Mound

A glass-clear stepped pyramid with a tiny knob on top and a cut-block base.

This crystal stupa, or sacred mound is from India, and is contemporary. Crystal is a clear form of quartz, and it has long been carved into beads, figures and ritual objects in many cultures. Clear, glassy form built from stacked tiers that taper to a small rounded peak. A band of notched ornament circles the middle. The base is a chunky block of faceted steps, with a few inner cracks catching light. It is 1.75 inches wide, 1.75 deep and 2 high.

Transparent about its ambitions, and shaped like a small mountain.