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Overview
A vintage hand-hammered copper alloy ablution basin, known in Turkish as a leğen, complete with its removable pierced strainer insert. The basin is 16 inches across, with a wide flat rim, a raised ring inside that holds the insert, and a deep center well. The domed strainer is pierced with rings of triangle and diamond-shaped holes around a sunken center cup, which is pierced in a star pattern. Heavy green verdigris covers much of the surface, with warm golden metal showing through on the rim and underside, giving it a rich, layered aged look. It makes a strong display piece on a sideboard, console, coffee table or wall, and it can still hold a bar of soap or catch water.
Background
Basins with a pierced insert like this were used across Ottoman Turkey and the wider Middle East for washing the hands, usually with a matching ewer. Water poured over the hands drained through the holes into the basin below, out of sight, and the center cup held soap or the base of the ewer. This basin is unmarked. It is hand hammered, with visible hammer marks, a rounded outer rim and a small hole near the edge for hanging, and it weighs just over 3 lb with the insert.
Condition
Good vintage condition with no significant damage. Both the basin and the strainer insert are intact, and the insert sits in the basin as it should. There is heavy green oxidation and mineral deposits inside the basin and on the insert, wear to the surface, and small dents and handling marks. Please see all photos.
Dimensions & Weight
The basin is 3.7 inches high and 16 inches in diameter (3.7 x 16 x 16 inches, H x W x D). It weighs 3 lb 0.4 oz with the insert.
Shipping
Free standard shipping within the US, packed securely.
