carved with bands of overlapping floral palmettes, the stepped cover with petals

The surface of the stone with some weathering and discoloration due to encrustation, central flowerhead on lid missing finial and one of petals with some associated retouching, minor chips to terminals of petals, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Carved in a distinctive Indian stone with cooling properties, this receptacle would have been used to chill liquids. It can be admired for the naturalistic rendering of the lotus petals, belonging to a long tradition of stone carving from Andhra Pradesh. The concentric bands of the cover recall the lotus rosettes from the crossbar of the second and third century Buddhist site of Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, one of which is now in the British Museum (see London 1982, p.96, no.6). The lotus was not just a decorative element but had ancient associations with fertility and birth, representing a continually evolving unity.