Tile

Dateca. 1758

Maker John Sadler (1756-1770)

MediumTin-glazed earthenware (delftware)

DimensionsOverall: 5 x 5in. (5in., 12.7cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2006-9

DescriptionTin-glazed earthenware tile printed with a woodblock print by John Sadler. The design is derived from a hand-painted Dutch tile. The central design is placed within an octagon and depicts Chinese or Dutch figures standing with animals beside a river. There is a small boat on the river and a building in the distance. The border decoration includes foliate scrolls and four putti, one in each corner, who hold the edge of the octagon. This border is derived from Liverpool painted tiles imitating a Dutch type.
Label TextMost of the early delft tiles produced by John Sadler in Liverpool were woodblock-printed imitations of Dutch hand-painted tiles. They were intended as decorative surrounds for fireplaces linked by the borders on the edges of the tiles. Sadler did not carve the woodblocks himself, but there is some evidence that they were produced in Liverpool as well. Sadler could manufacture many more tiles with printed decoration than if he had painted the complex designs by hand. This allowed him to undercut the prices on Dutch tiles. This printed tile is decorated with a Chinoiserie subject and is a rare survival.
ProvenancePurchased from Jonathan Horne Antiques, Ltd., London, England.