Qing Stone Column Base

This 19th-century column base likely figured into the imposing surroundings of a Qing-dynasty courtyard, supporting a tall wooden beam as part of a grand entryway. Atop a square slab patterned with hash marks, sits an eight-sided base, carved with small footed legs to resemble a low kang table. Octagonal motifs are common in Chinese art, due to the auspicious nature of the number eight in traditional culture. The table-like base is carved with a decorative apron of intertwined vines and floral motifs. Tucked amidst garden plantings or placed indoors, this low column base is an excellent way to display large planters and garden sculptures.