French Antique Limestone Trough

A long French antique limestone trough with a sharply two-toned surface: the upper section and rim are encrusted with deep charcoal patina and rust-colored lichen, while the lower section shows the raw warm sand of the limestone, a line that suggests the piece stood half buried for a very long time. The walls are thick, the rim organic and softened rather than straight, and the interior is smoother and paler, a protected cream where the outside is dark.

It measured 80 inches long, 25 inches deep and 17 1/4 inches high; the basin was 73 by 18 inches and about 9 3/4 inches deep. A drain hole through the side wall remains open. Condition was as found, the two tones intact.

Nearly seven feet of low stone trough lines a terrace edge or the foot of a wall, planted with lavender or trailing vines whose green sits well against the rust lichen. With the drain plumbed it works as a long fountain basin, and its plain geometry holds its own beside contemporary architecture. This limestone trough has sold. We usually have similar long troughs in the yard or on the water; ask and we will send what is current.