Chinese Pillar Base or Pedestal

Teardrop-shaped gray finial on a squared block, looking mildly ancient and slightly smug.

This pillar base or pedestal is from China. It is stone. During the Cultural Revolution, from 1966 to 1976, a great deal of antique Chinese furniture was burned, confiscated or scattered, which the article says helped start the scarcity of such pieces. Rough chisel marks show on the lower block, and the whole piece has a dry, weathered texture. Tall pointed, pear-shaped form with a pitted, mottled gray surface rises from a stepped rectangular base. It is 11 inches long, 11 deep and 31 high.

Sits very still, which is its entire job.