A remarkably large 1920s hardwood dough bowl with original striking blue finish and historic metal repair - a rare, surviving object with extraordinary surface character, sculptural shape and authentic patina
At a Glance - Appeal, Desirability & Collectability
• Date: Circa 1920s
• Origin: Possibly India
• Material: Hardwood, with remnants of original blue finish
• Delivery is not included - please use the Request Delivery Quote before completing your order
• Striking large-scale form with exceptional decorative presence
• Rare survival combining craftsmanship, colour, and honest age
• Beautifully patinated blue paint contrasts against the raw interior wood
• Equally compelling as a functional centrepiece or as a sculptural decorative accent
Heritage, Craftsmanship & Historical Note:-
This Large Hardwood Dough Proving Bowl is a superb example of practical craftsmanship, elevated by time and use into something sculptural. Likely originating from India around the 1920s, its robust hardwood construction was designed for daily domestic use - to mix and prove dough before baking. The exterior retains vibrant traces of its original blue paint, now softly abraded and layered with a century of wear. The interior surface shows the honest marks of utility, while an early hand-forged metal patch tells of historic repair and preservation.
Such bowls were integral to domestic life, their durability and scale reflecting their importance within the household. Each was unique - hand-hewn, used, and maintained for decades - and their surfaces evolved through contact with flour, hands, and water. Today, pieces like this are appreciated not only as tactile artefacts of working life but as sculptural design objects in their own right - blending rustic charm with a modern sensibility.
Explore Every Facet:-
Our high-resolution imagery captures the subtle interplay of colour and texture across the surface: the layered turquoise-blue paint, the mellowed wood grain within, and the old metal patch securing a historic seam. The wear is beautifully uneven - revealing pale natural tones beneath the paint and giving the surface the depth of an abstract painting. Viewed from above, the bowl’s broad curve and soft geometry have a quiet, sculptural integrity - a testament to the artistry found in the everyday object. Our images form an essential part of the condition report for complete purchasing confidence, ensuring a true visual record of its character and craftsmanship.
Styling Suggestions:-
Perfect as a dramatic centrepiece on a farmhouse table or console, this bowl adds depth and authenticity to any interior. Its blue patina harmonises with neutral palettes, limewashed walls, or natural stone, and it sits equally well within modern, rustic, or coastal schemes. For display, consider pairing with other textural materials - linen, ceramics, or weathered oak - to highlight its form and historic surface.
Sustainable Style - Thank you for considering antique furniture - a choice that honours both design and the environment…in every sense, the most sustainable item is the one that endures
Sustainability begins with what already exists; this 1920’s Large Hardwood Dough Proving Bowl, likely from India, exemplifies the sustainable elegance of antique craftsmanship. Its continued relevance speaks to the timeless utility of well-made tools, and its survival ensures that restoration skills and historical knowledge remain alive and valued.
Purchase with Confidence:-
At White’s Antiques, every piece is described and photographed with care, ensuring complete transparency and confidence in your purchase. We are an established and successful business serving both trade and private collectors. You are warmly invited to visit our shop at 53 High Street, Arundel, and our Showroom at The Vinery, Poling, West Sussex, to experience our curated collections firsthand, explore the stories behind each antique, and appreciate these timeless treasures in person.
measurements
Height:
12 cm
Diameter:
50 cm
measurements
declaration
Whites Antiques has clarified that the Large 1920s Hardwood Dough Proving Bowl - Original Striking Blue Exterior & Rustic Patina (LA551706) is genuinely of the period declared with the date/period of manufacture being 1920s
declaration
condition
condition
Condition: Lovely timeworn surface with characterful wear and historic metal patch repair.