Shaving basin c. 1775 - 1790

This shaving basin was made by Pieter van der Hoeven, but the exact date remains a mystery. This Delftware piece gives us a glimpse into the rituals of grooming in the past, hinting at the relationship between personal care and social presentation. Consider the act of shaving, traditionally associated with masculinity and performed to adhere to certain societal expectations. The basin, adorned with delicate blue floral patterns and a central landscape scene, creates an interesting tension. Does it soften the masculine act of shaving with its gentle decoration, or does it elevate this daily routine to something of beauty and refinement? The imagery on the basin offers an interesting intersection of art and life. What stories do you imagine unfolded as someone prepared themselves, looking at these images in the mirror's reflection? How did this basin shape their understanding of themselves in relation to society's expectations? This object quietly reflects the intimate and often unspoken negotiations of identity.