Early 1800s, Directoire Period Painted and Gold Leafed Lavabo

Crafted in France, this early 19th century Directoire Lavabo is hand painted, and delicately finished with gold leaf. The piece is faux meuble, meaning simply that the tole is painted in such a way that it resembles marble. The pierced brass gallery creates a sort of balcony, behind which rests the gold leaf painted finials on top and bottom. Most notably, the lavabo is true Directoire, created in the early 1800s. In this piece, it’s a style exemplified best in the whimsical gold leafed face of a muse which rests behind the faucet.