This is an absolutely fabulous example of early American art pottery from the Art Nouveau Movement of which the Arts & Crafts Movement was part. It is too early to be signed. Only after circa 1900, did many of the pottery factories begin to sign their wares with identifying cartouche or incised marks.
This tile when dissembled from its frame displays a “W” monogram and date 1880 on the back, of the artist who hand painted it. The tile measures 8 1/4’’ x 8 1/4’’ square without the frame. It is totally hand painted with a “Primrose” floral design.
It is then placed in a bronze Secession Movement or Arts and Crafts frame which has four claw feet; the handles of the frame are serpent heads and tails, with elaborate scroll floral and leaf work. We believe the bronze frame to be totally hand crafted as well.
The tile appears to be engine turned, as seen from the photo; the backing that is applied when assembled is of copper. The tile has a wonderful glaze with very a naturalistic floral design hand painted underglaze.
COMMENT: This Is An Absolutely Fantastic Connoisseur Collector Piece For The Advanced Collector! Guaranteed To Please The Collector Who Has Everything, Does Not Really Need It, But Who Has To have It Because Of Its
Representation Of Beauty, Rarity And Exquisite Depiction Of The Arts & Crafts Movement, At Its Apex In America, in terms of pottery.
Definitely Investment Quality! This type of glaze was only executed by a handful of potters at the time in the United States. It was customary at Rookwood Pottery for the decorators to incise their initials or monograms on the bottoms of the pieces painted by them.
CONDITION: Excellent! There is no damage or restoration of any kind to the tile or bronze frame.
