French Antique 19th Century Square Limestone Trough

A French antique square limestone trough of the 19th century, a small block with a surprise inside: the exterior is a strict square, the basin cut into it is round. The limestone shifts from cool gray to warm bone and sand, darkened in places by moss and the patina of age, and the surface is heavily worn, pitted deep enough to hold shadow.

It measures 19 3/4 inches square and 15 3/4 inches high. For its footprint it is dense and heavy, cut from one piece, and the round basin leaves thick corners that give the piece its weight. Condition is as found; the pitting, the moss and the rubbed edges are what we bought it for.

A piece this size works as a recirculating fountain in a small courtyard, where a blackened steel spout above the rim sends a clean line of water into the old basin, or as a planter for a single box ball or a young olive. It also sits well indoors on a stone floor, holding kindling by a fireplace. Pair it with lime plaster or reclaimed oak so the textures play against each other. The stone trough is in Marina Del Rey; come and see it, or ask us for photographs and a quote on this limestone trough delivered.