The Victorians loved elaborate patterning, much of it drawn from the landmark publication of Owen Jones’ Grammar of Ornament in 1856. These tiles, produced with an embossed pattern combining naturalistic and Art Nouveau floral design elements, are a good example from the 1890’s.
The British potteries that produced ceramic tiles shipped them all over the globe, with millions of pieces shipped to the US and used in American homes. These particular tiles however were shipped to northwest India and used in a Jain temple in the city of Bikaner, in the Great Indian Desert. I took this photo there earlier this week. I have seen identical examples use for fireplace surrounds and in bathrooms in the US.
Historic ceramic tile is covered in detail in Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners.
The 720-page hardcover book is now available in bookstores and from online retailers (it is currently 36% off on Amazon! http://ow.ly/N7ba50y4PSL).
Signed copies are available directly from the author on this site.
Your local bookstore can order copies from W.W. Norton.
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