Tile 1879 - 1890

This tile was made by J. and J. G. Low Art Tile Works sometime between 1877 and 1903. The firm was one of many that sprang up in the late 19th century United States, producing decorative ceramic tiles during the Aesthetic Movement. The movement advocated "art for art's sake" and promoted beauty in everyday objects. Here, a stylized flower is molded in relief, its petals radiating from a central core. The tile’s subdued glazing reflects the Aesthetic Movement's preference for natural tones and handcrafted qualities. These tiles weren't just decorative; they were architectural elements, incorporated into fireplace surrounds, furniture, and walls. This suggests a burgeoning middle class eager to display its refined taste, embracing art in the domestic sphere. To truly understand this tile, we can look at the company's records, design catalogs, and architectural publications of the time. Only then do we reveal its place within a broader story of industrial production, artistic aspiration, and the social construction of taste in late 19th-century America.