Reclaimed antique limestone vat

Reclaimed antique limestone vat dating from the 19th century or perhaps older. Several are available in stock, carved manually by a stone cutter from a single French limestone block. The stone block was hollowed out and the tub’s rounded exterior was carved to shape. There are visible tool marks which are partly worn away, giving its characteristic patina. When we manage to source these rare antique stone tubs they are often purchased for use as garden features, interior planters, or for imaginative water features.

In France these laundry vats are called « ponnes ». They were used by washer-women (lavandières) whose mixture of water and fine wood ash produced their equivalent of modern washing powder. They’d fill the « tub » with hot water for washing the clothes, before draining it through a hole low down (which could be fitted with a tap) to be then collected in a metal receptacle with a fire burning under it. The water would be re-heated and then poured in again at the top.

Weight approx : 650 kg (1,433 US lbs)

Dimensions approx :

• Exterior diameter : 110 cm (43.3 inches)
• Interior diameter : 89 cm (35 inches)
• Height : 89 cm (35 inches)