Edging Tile

Dateca. 1760

MediumTin-glazed earthenware (delft / delftware)

Dimensions5 1/4" X 2 1/2", 1/4" thick

Credit LineMuseum Purchase, Mrs. Elizabeth M. Bredrup

Object number1989-56

DescriptionRectangular tile: blue tin glaze decorated with a running grapevine; the vines, tendrils, leaves, and bunch of grapes in manganese; the leaves enhanced with green and the grapes with blue.
Label TextEdging tiles, generally half the size of a regular tile, are rare. Designed to form a continuous pattern when placed end to end, they were intended to border tile panels and fireplaces. They are recorded in geometric, scroll, and floral patterns. Square tiles with the same running grapevine design survive intact in a washbasin recess, providing another example of a continuous design. A fragment of a square tile with the same design was excavated in Williamsburg at the Alexander Purdie House (9AA.0005). The Bristol attribution is based on the color of the decoration.
InscribedNone
MarkingsNone
ProvenanceJonathan Horne (Antiques) Ltd. London