French Antique Limestone Trough

A French antique limestone trough with a rough, heavily pitted face that has taken centuries of weather. Deep grays run into warm beige, with distinct patches of orange iron rust across the broad front. The edges are chipped and uneven and still show the strikes of the tools that shaped the block long ago. The thick rim has eroded into dips and rises where water once stood, and angular gouges on the front hold deep shadow against the lighter tan stone beneath.

Overall it measures 40 inches long, 22 1/4 inches from front to back and 21 inches high. The basin inside is about 29 3/4 by 14 1/2 inches and 12 1/4 inches deep; a second figure of 4 1/2 inches in our measurements appears to be the wall thickness. The price covers the trough only; no spout, pump or base is included.

Filled with still water it would steady a courtyard garden; plumbed, it makes a deep washbasin in a powder room or a mudroom; set beside an outdoor dining table it is a very good ice trough for bottles. It reads well against white plaster, raw oak or heavy ironwork. The limestone trough is in our yard in Marina Del Rey, where you can see it by appointment, or we will send more photographs and a quote.