A substantial naturally formed limestone(?) gogotte in creamy white with splashes of red; mounted on a custom-made stand. 5.6 kg total, 29.5cm including stand (11 1/2"). Property of a Brussels gallery; acquired on the European art market. Gogottes were displayed at the chateau of Fontainebleau, France, collected by King Louis XIV (1638 -1715"). They were used to decorate the formal gardens of the royal residence at Versailles, especially l’Encelade, Les Trois Fontaines and La Salle de Bal. Elsewhere, they were treasured in Song Dynasty China (960-1127 AD"). In the 20th century, natural forms inspired the sculptor Henry Moore and others. Very fine condition.