Walnut washstand with marble top and towel rails – Louis-Philippe, 19th c.

A charming French washstand (table de toilette or lavabo), made to hold a wash bowl and jug. The white marble top has a raised marble gallery at the back and sides. Below is a wide drawer veneered in burr walnut, with a turned wooden knob and a scalloped lower edge; inside, the drawer is divided in two. Each side has a turned towel rail with ball ends. The front legs are turned and fluted, the back legs straight, and a lower shelf with cut-out corners joins the whole. The shape with towel rails, burr walnut veneer and turned legs is typical of French Louis-Philippe furniture from the middle of the 19th century. The figure of the walnut on the drawer is beautiful and the marble gives the whole a light, fresh look. The piece is compact and versatile: not only as a washstand, but also as a side table or dressing table. Beautiful in a French country, classic or romantic bedroom or bathroom, as a side table in the hallway or as a bedside table. Can also serve as a small bar or a plant table. Good condition, with a lovely patina. The marble has rings and light stains from use; no breaks in the marble seen. The wood has small scratches and light wear, mainly on the edge of the drawer, the lower shelf and the bottom of the legs. The drawer runs well. No major restorations visible.