A Carved limestone Lotus Flower Pot

The lotus flower has been a symbol of spiritual purity and enlightenment ever since the time of the Buddha. These wooden lotus flowers are meticulous reproductions of ceiling decorations found in Thai temples. In some temples, lotuses are painted directly on the ceiling. In other temples, they're elaborately carved, covered in gold and placed in the center of ceiling panels. Either way, their purpose is the same -to draw the eye of the worshiper toward heaven. . According to a Zen verse, “may we exist in muddy water with purity, like a lotus." The lotus grows out of the mud, rising upward to bloom in the sunlight, clean and perfect. These lotuses are hand-carved from wood and finished by artisans in Chiang Mai, Thailand, according to ancient designs. Shown here: a large multi-tiered lotus with an antique wood finish.

Giant water basins like this were kept in palace courtyards in case of fire.

This shallow bronze bowl is an open fire cooking vessel known as urli, used throughout southern India for preparing ayurvedic medicines and cooking large quantities of food for gathe...

This Neolithic jar originates from China 3500 BC and these funerary jars were placed in tombs and intended for use in the afterlife.

Round iron flowerpot. Wear consistent with age.

Decorative flower pot

Decorative flower pot

Decorative flower pot