Dry Sink with Copper Basin

Artisan: J Nazak
Date: 1988
Signatures and inscriptions: Signed and dated on the base ‘J Nazak 1988’
Intended Room: Scullery
Dimensions: 100 x 89 x 48 mm; 4 x 3 ½ x 2 inches (height x width x depth)
Inventory number: 2021.064

This beautiful country-style dry sink is signed on the underside by ‘J Nazak’, an artisan about whom I can discover next to nothing. My research revealed that she or he also created a primitive-style kitchen dresser with pull-out metal-lined bins, and a pie safe with pierced metal doors, both of which match this sink in execution and in the type of handles used. These pieces were sold on eBay in early 2022. I presume that all three pieces were made as a set or series, though the dresser is dated 1990 and the pie safe, like this dry sink, 1988.

It is a fine piece of work, with a copper-lined basin, a cutlery or utensil drawer, and a pair of doors secured with a tiny twistable catch. The doors, sides and back are planked, and supported on doors and sides by cross-bands of wood. There is a small shelf for utensils or washing powder and a draining board. It’s such a lovely thing and I’d really love to know more about the artisan, so if anyone has any information on J Nazak, please do get in touch!