About the Piece
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 Despite these historical references, the restrained monochromatic stone makes this bowl particularly successful in a modern interior.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 materials. At 4.5 inches high × 19.5 inches in diameter, the bowl has enough scale to serve as a substantial coffee-table or center-table object. It may be displayed empty as a sculptural piece or used decoratively to hold fruit, dried botanicals, decorative objects or candles. It can also be incorporated into a protected outdoor setting. Each bowl was individually hand carved, and slight differences in petal shape, carving, coloration and surface are characteristic of artisanal production rather than defects. Three examples are currently available. The listed price is for ONE bowl. They can be used individually or grouped as related sculptural objects in a larger interior. A handsome example of mid-20th-century Indian carved stonework, combining the symbolism and geometry of the lotus with the quiet material beauty of natural marble. Dimensions: 4.5 in. H × 19.5 in. diameter Origin: India Period: Circa 1960 Material: White marble Technique: Hand carved Style: Anglo-Indian / Anglo-Raj / Mughal-inspired / Organic Modern Quantity available: 3 Price: Per individual bowl
