Massive 18th‑Century French Granite Trough

A massive 18th‑century French granite trough of exceptional presence, this piece stands among the largest we have ever sourced. Hand‑carved from a single block of stone, its broad proportions and sculptural weight give it a commanding, architectural quality rarely found in surviving examples of this age. Its previous owner affectionately described the form as “heart‑shaped,” a romantic detail we’re content to leave to each viewer’s imagination.
Centuries of weathering have softened the edges and enriched the granite’s natural patina, lending the trough a quiet gravitas and unmistakable rustic charm. Whether understood as a trough or a cistern, it embodies the enduring beauty of early French rural craftsmanship.
This rare relic is best appreciated in person. It currently resides in our Norfolk, CT, gardens, where its monumental scale and historical character can be fully experienced.