Carved Marble Pedestal Bowl (Urn or Planter)

This item is a carved marble pedestal bowl, likely functioning as a decorative urn, planter, or perhaps a birdbath. It is crafted from a light-colored, possibly white or cream, marble, exhibiting natural veining and some discoloration. The bowl features a wide, relatively shallow basin with a heavily carved exterior rim. The carving on the rim depicts a series of overlapping, scallop-like or shell-like motifs, providing significant texture and visual interest. The interior of the bowl shows considerable staining, appearing brown or yellowish-brown, which could be from mineral deposits, dirt, or organic growth, indicating it has possibly held water or soil for an extended period. The bowl rests upon a short, fluted or turned pedestal base, which in turn sits on a multi-tiered square plinth. The plinth consists of at least two stacked square sections, transitioning from a smaller upper square to a larger lower square. The entire piece shows a substantial patina consistent with age and exposure, suggesting outdoor use or placement in a moist environment. There are no clearly visible cracks or significant chips from the provided image, but the surface exhibits a dull, unpolished finish, characteristic of weathered natural stone. The overall craftsmanship appears solid and hand-carved, indicative of traditional stone masonry techniques. The style suggests a classical or neoclassical influence, making it potentially an antique or vintage piece, likely from the late 19th or early to mid-20th century. No visible maker's marks or signatures are discernible in the image.