TILE
Datec. 1845
Dimensions2.5 x 10.5 x 10.5 cm (1 x 4 1/8 x 4 1/8 in.)
Object numberHF.10.15.893
DescriptionA decorative encaustic tile made of earthenware and porcelain. The tile is square with geometric designs featuring a floral motif at the center in white and green and a red background surrounded by yellow and white frame which extends to each corner. The exterior sides show porcelain on the top and bottom with red-brown matrix at the center. The base has a grid of 4x4 holes across the surface which has a vague pattern on it. Imprinted on the base is “MINTON HOLLIS 6o PATENT STOKE UPON TRENT”. Narrative
Minton Pottery was founded by Thomas Minton in Stoke-upon-Trent, England, in 1793, and quickly became well known for quality ceramics and hand painted porcelain and bone china, even receiving royal patronage. The company began producing encaustic tiles in the mid-1800s. The process of making encaustic tiles involves using coloured clay to decorate the surface of a tile rather than the glaze itself. The pattern visible on the tiles surface may be as shallow as 3mm or as deep as 6.4mm.
