Toilet bowl and cover 1698 - 1699

Editor: Here we have John Leach’s "Toilet bowl and cover." I am struck by its ornate decoration. What can you tell us about it? Curator: Well, this object invites us to consider the concept of "toilet" in the 17th and 18th centuries. It wasn't necessarily about waste. Instead, it was also about elaborate rituals of personal grooming. How do you think this object reflects the gendered expectations of the period? Editor: I see. Was this used primarily by women? Curator: Often, but it also speaks to a broader performance of status and wealth. Think about the labor and resources required to produce such an item. It underscores the power dynamics inherent in accessing luxury. Editor: So, more than just a pretty object, it's a reflection of social and economic structures. I hadn't thought of it that way. Curator: Exactly. By understanding the toilet’s multifaceted significance, we can gain a more nuanced perspective on the past. Editor: I'll never look at a bowl the same way again. Thanks!