Late Victorian Geometric Floral Design Ceramic Fireplace Tile c.1890-91

This is a highly attractive example of a ceramic fireplace tile dating to the end of the 19th century.

The design consists of a central stylised rose, surrounded by a lattice. Each corner bears one quarter of a similar rose, in yellow, so that when four tiles are placed together, the rose is complete. In the centre of each side is a semicircle, which forms a circle containing a further stylised floral design when two tiles are placed together.

The underside of the tile is moulded in a ridged pattern, presumably for the application of adhesive.

There is a printed registered number, which reads ‘Rd. No. 152450’. This dates the piece to between January 1890 and January 1891. In addition, the year ‘1891’ is handwritten in blue pencil, although I do not know when this was added.

The tile measures 15.4cm square.

It has an unwrapped weight of 410g.

It is in good condition, considering its age. There are a number of small chips on both the top and bottom of the tile, which are commensurate with age. It is possible that some of these are manufacturing flaws. The tile is also crazed all over, and there is a scratch in the glaze just off-centre (see pictures).