Shaving basin c. 1775 - 1790

This is a shaving basin, made by A. Klos. Imagine the rituals of grooming in earlier times, particularly for men, where shaving was not just a matter of hygiene but a performance of masculinity. The floral design softens the utilitarian function of the basin, hinting at the complexities of gender roles. Was this for the wealthy man of the house, or was it reserved for the barber to use on clients from all social classes? Consider the labor and skill required to produce such a piece. Who were the artisans behind its creation, and what were their lives like? How does an object like this participate in larger systems of power and inequality? In our current world, which is dominated by mass production, it is rare to see an object that speaks to craftmanship and individual identity. Shaving basins served a practical purpose, yes, but they also tell a story about social status and personal expression.