18th Century Toilet: Sponge Ball And Soap Ball

Pair of spherical boxes called soap balls and sponge balls, from the 18th century. Each of these boxes is made of brass, on a shower stand with a scalloped base, a braced push button, three concentric circles at the top and opens on a hinge. The sponge ball is decorated with tulips and radiant patterns and retains an old natural sponge. They close perfectly, the firm soap ball is a little difficult to open as the casing is so tight. They have lost almost all their silvering on the outside with the exception of a very small part behind each push button. The interior nevertheless retains its original silvering with some traces of oxidation. They can of course be silvered again by a professional. These objects, witnesses of a rich past, remained essential elements of aristocratic life, nestled in the privacy of a bathroom. Please note: these two boxes constitute a real pair. Delivery: €15 for mainland France