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$1,450
A substantial vintage Indian hand-carved white marble lotus flower bowl, sculpted as a fully opened blossom with overlapping petals radiating from a raised circular center. Handcrafted in India circa 1960, this large-scale decorative centerpiece combines traditional Indian stone carving with a remarkably clean, sculptural form that translates beautifully into contemporary interiors. Measuring an impressive 19.5 inches in diameter, the bowl is considerably larger than the small marble lotus dishes commonly encountered. Its broad, shallow profile is formed from individually articulated petals arranged in concentric layers, giving the piece both architectural rhythm and an appealing sense of movement. Each petal has been carved with a raised central vein extending outward from the heart of the flower. The outer petals turn gently upward to create the bowl's irregular scalloped perimeter, while the inner petals slope toward the center to form a shallow receptacle. The carving is particularly effective when viewed from above, where the repeating petals create a dramatic radial composition. From the side, the substantial thickness of the marble and individually modeled outer petals reveal the amount of handwork involved in producing the piece. Carved from natural white marble, the stone displays subtle variations of ivory, cream, pale beige and softly warmer mineral tones. Natural inclusions, veining and tonal irregularities are inherent to the marble and ensure that each example is individual. The lotus flower has a long history in Indian art and architecture, appearing extensively in Hindu, Buddhist and Mughal decorative traditions. Its symmetrical geometry and organic form have allowed the motif to move easily between architectural ornament, stone carving and decorative objects. Despite these historical references, the restrained monochromatic stone makes this bowl particularly successful in a modern interior. It works beautifully with Organic Modern, contemporary Mediterranean, Anglo-Indian, Mughal-inspired, wabi-sabi and eclectic interiors, particularly when paired with travertine, plaster, warm woods and other natural
