Border Tile 1881

This border tile was crafted by J. and J. G. Low Art Tile Works in America at the end of the 19th century. Note the hypnotic concentric circles and swirling tendrils. The circle, an ancient symbol, has been a constant presence across cultures and epochs; think of the Ouroboros, the snake eating its own tail. In Jungian psychology, circles represent wholeness and the self. But here, the concentric nature might evoke the all-seeing eye, a protective symbol against malevolence, found in ancient Egypt, and later adopted in Christian iconography. The tendrils, reminiscent of classical acanthus leaves, suggest growth and transformation. This combination of motifs transcends mere decoration, tapping into our collective unconscious, where ancient symbols resonate. It reminds us that art is not just about beauty; it's about a psychological connection across time, where symbols evolve, adapt, and resurface, carrying new meanings while retaining echoes of the past.