{HISTORY}

Made by International Pottery Co in Trenton, New Jersey between 1920s-1930s, this large antique wash basin bowl features  pretty floral bouquets in a handsome  shade of teal. Lilies, morning glories and ivy wind and trail their way around in the interior rim of the bowl while embossed detailing accentuates the exterior.

One of the fun things about colorful floral basin bowls is that when they are filled with water they often reflect the colors of the transferware. Gold detailing can make the water appear sparkly and sun-kissed. Pink florals can create  a warm and rosy glow. Greens and yellows mirror a natural clear, lake-like effect. In this case, thanks to the teal palette, the water takes on an almost-pool like color lending a bit of a tropical vacation vibe to the whole affair.   

Originally, this bowl would have been part of a grooming set complete with a matching pitcher and various accessories to assist in the daily bathing routines of Victorian Americans. 

Nowadays, our modern sinks, showers, and bathtubs have replaced the need for wash basin bowls of the past century, but their usefulness is still quite handy. Ideal for soaking linens, lingerie and other fragile fabrics, basin bowls make ideal helpers in the washing department. Fill this one up with ice and canned or bottled beverages and it  makes a great drink cooler for outdoor entertaining. Fill it with a mixture of flowers and plants and it turns into a gorgeous table centerpiece for parties and special events. Or embrace those vacation vibes and fill this bowl with scented bath salts for a relaxing vibe.

First founded in 1860 by Henry Speeler, International Pottery Company throughout its 75 years of operation was known for making high quality dish and sanitaryware for the hotel industry and the domestic retail market. Changing management throughout its long run,  I. P. Co is associated with a number of different marks within its brand, reflecting the management teams that operated the pottery during different decades. This bowl bears the mark of the Maltese cross signaling that it was made sometime during the company’s last two decades just before the pottery closed completely in 1937.  

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Teal floral design

- Semi-vitreous porcelain 

- Large size

- Stamped on bottom with maker's mark

{CONDITION}

In lovely antique condition, this bowl contains no chips or cracks. The floral design is crisp and clear in detail. A small portion of the largest floral bouquet has faded over time near the center of the bowl. This is a common condition issue in antique basin bowls and is caused by the pitcher rubbing against the bottom of the bowl as it was pIcked up and set down, over and over again, across a century. Please see photos.

{SIZE}

Measures 14.75" inches (diameter) x 4.75" inches (height) and weighs 5 lbs. 

{FOR THE COLLECTOR}

Here In The Vintage Kitchen, we just adore the usefulness of antique basin bowls. Find more in the shop here.