RARE LATE 18TH to EARLY 19TH CENTURY EUROPEAN 10" SQUARE FAIENCE CERAMIC, HAND PAINTED, DECORATIVE FIGURATIVE, OCCUPATIONAL WALL TILE, FEATURING POOR BRASS SMITH in PERIOD COSTUME WORKING on WOOD BENCH, with HAMMER, BRASS POT & SURROUNDING DECORATIVE TRIM

[Most likely French, Belgian or Dutch]

(Circa 1795-1845)

Late 18th to early 19th century European antique hand painted decorative figurative faience glazed ceramic wall tile & handmade art pottery

DIMENSIONS: 

10 ¼" Width x 10" Height x ⅞" Depth

 Weight: 5 lbs. 4 oz. 

 DESCRIPTION:

Found on the New Hampshire seacoast near the Maine border, this absolutely incredibly beautiful late 18th to early 19th century European, most likely French, Belgian or Dutch antique faience glazed, heavy ceramic, hand painted, figurative decorative wall tile, is in extraordinarily well-preserved condition, with only the slightest bit of margin loss occurring in the extreme lower right corner, only ever-so-slightly interrupting the glazed facia. There's also some minor ceramic loss occurring behind the top right corner of the tile, invisible from the front. No hairline cracks are associated with either episode and the tile remains intact, 100% original and without repairs (old or new.) The figurative ceramic tile has thick, kiln-baked faience glaze, which is highly reflective and comprised of ground, pulverized glass, giving the surfaces great viscosity and physicality, making it durable. Featured is a brass smith in period costume working on a wood bench with hammer and brass pot. This wonderfully realized early occupational ceramic tile is an especially early one, showcasing a poor, peasant artisan and skilled craftsman. Simply gorgeous. Offered without apologies. It doesn't need any. Marvelous.

  

CONDITION: 

Very Good to Excellent overall antique condition. Free of hairline cracks, noticeable ceramic loss, depreciating edge flea-bites, repairs (old or new) dark stains, color depreciation, image loss or other condition issues.