William Burges's washstand

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William Burges designed this washstand in 1880. He designed it for his guest bedroom.

The cistern was filled with water. The lower tap was designed as a mythical beast. Several silver carp were inlaid into the marble bowl. Burges based the carp on a Japanese print.

The upper tap may have been used for rinsing. The bowl was emptied into a container underneath.

The middle section is covered with animals and birds. The top section has butterflies and plant life.

Burges took ideas from medieval churches. This is his watercolour of columns at Beauvais Cathedral in France. The washstand reflects Burges's characteristic mix of scholarly sources and playful humour