Medieval laver stands

[sister_raphael]

I've been looking at 14th century laver stands. For those who are new to medieval hygiene, that's a washing station, which may or may not be portable. We see later ones affixed to the wall looking like an urn with the drain underneath, but I'm taking today about the ones with a bowl and a hanging jug or laverbo. Since I wished to make one, I needed to make a comparison. I've only ever seen one type recreated for reenactment, and that's the first image- a tall, round pole with possibly a counterbalance, a small bowl and little double spouted pot and a towel.

The one I am to make is the second image. a separate pole for the upright, since I feel that when it comes to dealing with members of the public, it will be sturdier, and the bowl will be supported better.  The first set of three here all have the cross base and a hanging pot, two double spouted, and one pot.

Extant double spouted laverbos are mostly dated to the early 15th century, but they are represented in art throughout the 14th century also.



The second five have the same double spouted pot, but have pedestal bases with round bases, two of them with feet. These ones are attached to probably, a wall.


The next four show stands with cross bases and pedestal bases but with a jug, instead of a laverbo.  Two of the jugs have three feet and two have solid bases. The second image here is from the Bohun Psalter, rather than the Roman de la Rose, and the fourth image is also from a different manuscript.

It's an interesting blend, but it's worth noting that many of these seem to be permanent fixtures and have towels at the ready nearby or on the stand itself. I'll be making one to go with my bath house display. Stay tuned.