Tile
ca. 1884
Medium
Earthenware
Dimensions
6 1/8 x 3 1/16 x 3/8 in. (15.6 x 7.8 x 1 cm)
Classification
Tile
Culture
American
Department
The American Wing
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mrs. George F. Leonard, 1971
Accession Number
1971.182.2
Art Historical Context
This delicate earthenware tile, produced 1884 by J. and J. G. Low Art Tile Works, captures the inventive spirit of late 19th-century American arts. At just 6 1/8 x 3 1/16 x 3/8 inches, it represents the small-scale yet sophisticated ceramics that transformed everyday interiors. The firm's name itself highlights their dedication to artistry, positioning them as leaders in an era when mass-produced tiles brought aesthetic refinement to American homes. Earthenware, fired at lower temperatures than porcelain, allowed for vibrant glazes and detailed surface treatments, making it ideal for architec...