Spanish for “washbasin” or “sink,” a lavabo set is two pieces of pottery that are mounted on the wall. One is a cistern to hold water with a spigot at the bottom. The other is a basin for catching the water after hands are washed. Decorative lavabos of both glass and pottery were popular in the 1950s and 1960s. Some were functional, but most were used as planters.
The pitcher and bowl set used by the officiant during a religious service to wash their hands before Communion is also called a lavabo.
