Antique Chinese Wash Basin

These old Chinese wooden basins were incredibly practical everyday household pieces used throughout rural villages for washing, soaking, mixing, and carrying goods. Depending on the region, they were commonly used for washing vegetables and rice, bathing children, hand-washing clothing, preparing food, or even carrying harvested produce around farms and villages. The thick timber construction and metal banding helped them withstand constant daily use, often lasting generations within the same family.

Because they were handmade from solid timber staves, much like old barrels, each basin developed its own beautiful wear and patina over decades of use. Today, these antique Chinese basins are loved for their organic texture and rustic character within interiors. They make beautiful statement pieces styled on kitchen benches or dining tables, used as oversized fruit bowls, filled with linen in a bathroom, or layered with candles and greenery as a centrepiece. Larger examples are also popular as decorative storage for cushions, throws, or firewood, bringing warmth and history into modern homes.

Age: 100+ years old

Dimensions (cm): 60 x 60 x 20 - these measurements can differ up to 15cm width

Colour/Hue: Aged/ Natural

Material: Elm, Metal

Care Instructions: Wipe with a dry cloth

Original Use: To bath babies and wash clothing

Origin: Hubei, China