This alabaster temple is a sortout de table, or centerpiece. In the mid-eighteenth century, there was a great revival of classical culture, and silver centerpieces were often replaced with these classical-style alabaster or marble pieces. This particular temple has been updated, probably later on, with a biscuit porcelain figurine inside. However, this type of centerpiece had a short life. By the early nineteenth century, silver centerpieces made a comeback, much like the ones you see in many homes today.