French Antique 18th Century Limestone Sink

A French antique limestone sink from the 18th century, a low rectangular basin cut from a single block and left plain. The stone has the warmth that old French limestone takes on after two hundred years of use, with the softened edges, small chips and gentle variation in tone that come with that age. There is no ornament; the shape and the surface are the whole story.

It measures 32 inches wide, 20 inches deep and 5 1/4 inches high, a low profile that sits well in or on a counter. The sink came out of a house in France; we brought it back for the proportions and the condition of the surface, which we have left as found. Expect the irregularities of an antique sink: a rim that is not dead level, a basin floor shaped generations ago and smoothed since by water.

In a powder room it does the work on its own, set on a simple oak or iron base with a wall-mounted spout. It also suits a guest bath in a Mediterranean house, or a pantry where a low bowl is enough. This limestone sink is in our yard in Marina Del Rey; we are glad to send more photographs and a quote, or to show it to you by appointment.