Tile 1879 - 1884

This glazed earthenware tile was created by J. and J. G. Low Art Tile Works between 1877 and 1903. The embossed tile, with its stylized tear-drop motif, exemplifies the aesthetic interests of the late 19th century. The Arts and Crafts movement in the United States looked to the past for inspiration, incorporating historical styles and motifs in their work. As industrialization and mass production became more prevalent, many artists looked to pre-industrial designs. We might consider how gender and class are subtly encoded in such cultural productions. Middle-class women were often tasked with decorating the domestic sphere. By incorporating historical motifs into home decor, they were subtly reinforcing societal norms and expectations around domesticity and tradition. The tile, with its warm color and handcrafted feel, can be seen as a reaction to the coldness and impersonality of the machine age. How do you think the design communicates a sense of warmth and history?