Tile 1879 - 1884

This six-inch square tile was produced by the J. and J. G. Low Art Tile Works in the late 19th century. This company contributed to the burgeoning American ceramics industry. The tile displays an intricate, stylized design. Its circular motif, enclosed within a square frame, showcases a blend of geometric precision and naturalistic flourishes. Note the symmetrical arrangement of curvilinear forms and the beaded border, elements that echo contemporary design trends. Made during the American Aesthetic Movement, this tile reflects a broader cultural emphasis on beauty and craftsmanship in everyday objects. It encapsulates the era's fascination with surface embellishment and its aspirations to elevate domestic environments through artful design. The study of design history, as well as records of firms such as this one, can tell us a good deal about the social and cultural history of the late 19th century.