Ewer
Wash basin
Maker & role
Unknown, Maker
Production date
circa 1825
See full details
Object detail
Production place
Collection
Measurements
1 - ewer, H: 22.5 x W: 15.5 x D: 23.5cm (H: 225 x W: 155 x D: 235mm); 2 - basin, H: 12 x Diam: 31cm (H: 120 x Diam: 310mm)
Credit line
Purchase, 1994
Susannah Place Collection, Museums of History New South Wales
Susannah Place Collection, Museums of History New South Wales
Caption
Ewer and washbasin with blue transfer decoration, unknown maker, England, c1820s, stoneware
Description
Before indoor plumbing and internal bathroom facilities, ewers (water jugs) and basins were used for people to perform their personal ablutions, often in their bedrooms.
For ease of access they were generally kept on a table or dresser, or on a washstand featuring a circular cavity in which to house the basin, keeping the basin stable and preventing the risk of water spilling from the basin tipping. The stand may also have hooks or rails for cloths or towels.
Ewers and basins were sold separately or as a set, many having decorative patterning, as unless concealed behind a screen they were in open view and part of the room’s décor. The ewer would be filled with water from the nearest source (perhaps heated in a kitchen or scullery which may also be separate from the house or in the basement, and brought to the bedroom in a spouted kettle).
The basin would have to be emptied of its contents outside (on the garden in times of drought), though there are stories of the greywater being tipped out of windows!
Dating to the 1820s, this matching glazed stoneware ewer and basin feature a decorative blue transfer decoration of castle and river scene and foliate borders. The ewer is 22.5cm x 15.5cm x 23.5 in diameter, with a high loop handle and wide pouring lip. The basin is 12cm high and 31cm in diameter and the marking 'LUCANO' on the underside. The high-ring foot adds to its stability if used on a flat surface.
For ease of access they were generally kept on a table or dresser, or on a washstand featuring a circular cavity in which to house the basin, keeping the basin stable and preventing the risk of water spilling from the basin tipping. The stand may also have hooks or rails for cloths or towels.
Ewers and basins were sold separately or as a set, many having decorative patterning, as unless concealed behind a screen they were in open view and part of the room’s décor. The ewer would be filled with water from the nearest source (perhaps heated in a kitchen or scullery which may also be separate from the house or in the basement, and brought to the bedroom in a spouted kettle).
The basin would have to be emptied of its contents outside (on the garden in times of drought), though there are stories of the greywater being tipped out of windows!
Dating to the 1820s, this matching glazed stoneware ewer and basin feature a decorative blue transfer decoration of castle and river scene and foliate borders. The ewer is 22.5cm x 15.5cm x 23.5 in diameter, with a high loop handle and wide pouring lip. The basin is 12cm high and 31cm in diameter and the marking 'LUCANO' on the underside. The high-ring foot adds to its stability if used on a flat surface.
Accession number
SP94/3-1:2
Share
Maker
Object name
Subject
Contact Us
Head Office
The Mint, 10 Macquarie St
Sydney, NSW 2000
On Gadigal land
T 02 8239 2288
TTY 02 8239 2377
E info@mhnsw.au
Public comments
Be the first to comment on this object record.