Offered for consideration is an art pottery tile, the product of the J. and J.G. Low Art buy Tile Works, Chelsea, MA. This design was the creation of artist Arthur Osborne, Low's chief modeler, an Englishman who emigrated to the U.S. in 1878. The Low Art Tile Works, formed by artist John Gardner Low in 1877, was a very successful and award-winning tile company, producing many unique glazes and art tiles. Arthur Osborne designed and modeled almost all of Low's tiles.
The Prophet tile, thought to be patented in 1881, is covered in a thick green glaze that was part of the subdued color palette of the Aesthetic Movement. Although referred to as an 'old man' in other listings, the cap on the old man's head identifies him as a Biblical prophet.
The tile measures 6.25" square and the condition of the tile is very good. There are two chipped areas on the border: the upper right corner is missing a quarter inch piece along the side edge. And there is one very small chip on the bottom edge. If the tile was framed neither of these injuries would be visible. Too, there are slight abrasions on the central area of the cap and hair.
The surface of the tile is crazed with a network of fine cracks on the surface. Indeed, the crazing adds to the beauty of the tile. What is particularly extraordinary about this tile is revealed on the reverse. Rather than a flat back bearing the mark of the company, the tile appears to be press molded and unfinished. There is some damage to the back and a small piece of clay randomly attached to the surface. It provides a fascinating contrast to fully finished tiles and makes it quite unique.
Product code: J. and J.G. Low buy Art Tile - The Prophet