Antique 18th-Century Hand-Carved Marble Fountain

Floral Relief with Marigold & Lotus Motifs | Indo-Islamic Courtyard Water Feature | Circa 1700s Rajasthan

✦ A Sacred Flow of Heritage and Craft

This monumental 18th-century marble fountain is a rare example of Indo-Islamic garden art, hand-carved from a single block of solid stone. Weighing over 670 kg, it once stood in the courtyard of a haveli, palace, or temple, where water represented not only purity and life but also divine abundance and eternal renewal.

✦ Architectural Elegance and Botanical Symbolism

The fountain’s trapezoidal incline culminates in a semi-circular basin, its surface alive with symbolic floral reliefs:

• Marigold Blossoms carved in rhythmic rows, reflecting the cascade of water and evoking auspiciousness and protection in Hindu ritual life.

• Lotus Scrollwork at the crown, symbolising purity, rebirth, and spiritual enlightenment across Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

• Scallop-Shell Panels on the sides, associated with cosmic waters and divine guardianship.

Every motif is imbued with meaning, blending the practical elegance of water engineering with the artistic devotion of India’s master marble carvers.

✦ Key Features

• Date: Circa 1700s

• Origin: Rajasthan, India

• Material: Solid marble, hand-carved with natural aged patina

• Condition: Structurally sound with authentic wear and weather-softened surface

✦ Dimensions

• Width: 130 cm

• Height: 130 cm

• Depth: 80 cm

• Weight: 672 kg

✦ Cultural and Historical Context

Fountains were central to Mughal and Rajput garden architecture, echoing the Persian concept of paradise gardens. Flowing water symbolised the eternal cycle of life and divine energy, while floral reliefs mirrored offerings made in temples and palaces. The marigold, introduced to India in the 1600s through maritime trade, became sacred in rituals by the 18th century, while the lotus had long embodied spiritual awakening. This fountain’s design situates it firmly within this rich cross-cultural tradition, likely commissioned for a royal or noble household.

✦ Styling Inspiration

• Luxury Heritage Courtyard: Install as a central feature surrounded by sandstone jalis, flowering planters, and shaded seating.

• Boutique Hotel or Spa Garden: Create a meditative ambience with water flowing gently across its reliefs.

• Interior Statement: Display as a sculptural artefact in gallery-style living spaces or museum-inspired settings.

✦ Why This Fountain is Exceptional

✔ Rare 18th-century Indian marble fountain with symbolic carvings
✔ Monumental scale with intact reservoir and basin
✔ Sacred motifs blending Hindu, Mughal and Indo-Islamic traditions
✔ Suitable for collectors, museums, landscape architects, or heritage property restorations
✔ Both an architectural relic and a spiritual sculpture

✦ Delivery and Installation

Due to its scale and weight, this fountain requires white-glove handling and professional installation. UK-wide delivery is available by arrangement. International buyers and trade clients are welcome to contact Regen Bespoke for bespoke shipping and installation support.

Exclusively at Regen Bespoke
Where heritage flows, uniting sacred symbolism with timeless design.