A monumental vessel carved from warm yellow sandstone , its interior brought to life through the deep celestial blue of hand-inlaid lapis lazuli . This piece sits between object and architecture, functioning as both sculptural artefact and usable form.

The trough is hewn from richly toned sandstone , its honey and ochre base carrying natural mineral movement and subtle surface variation. The outer form is deliberately restrained - softly moulded edges, grounded proportions, and a weight that speaks of permanence. It feels ancient, almost archaeological, as though recovered from a lost courtyard.

Inside, however, the mood shifts dramatically. A flowing arabesque of lapis lazuli has been painstakingly inlaid into the stone, forming scrolling vines and stylised floral motifs in saturated ultramarine and cobalt. Flecks of pyrite within the lapis catch the light like distant constellations, intensifying the dialogue between earth and sky - golden sandstone meeting midnight blue stone.

The contrast between the matte, porous warmth of the sandstone and the polished density of the lapis creates both tactile and visual tension. Each fragment of semi-precious stone is individually cut and set into recessed channels before being ground flush and refined by hand, ensuring the inlay reads as integral rather than applied.

Whether conceived as a ceremonial basin, a dramatic centrepiece, or a contemplative garden vessel, this object exemplifies the spirit of the Objects & Artifacts collection: precious materials, historic techniques, and sculptural presence brought together in one singular form.