Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Unusual Artifacts: A Mahogany Washstand, 1740-1770

Washstand
English, 1740-70
The Victoria & Albert Museum





In the Eighteenth Century, basin stands such as this one were used in bedchambers. The circular rim was used to support a basin for washing while the round box and cover underneath was intended to hold the soap (which was, at the time, typically round). Two convenient drawers were included to contain toilet accessories and a water jug stood on the lower triangular shelf.

This example of openwork mahogany stands on three cabriole legs, with three turned supports rising through a set of two small triangular drawers to support a circular ring on which the basin would rest.  It was made in Britain between 1740 and 1770.  

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