A large, 656 sq ft. Boch Frères ceramic encaustic — “Fond Renaissance” floor c. 1900
This reclaimed and fully restored antique ceramic floor was produced around 1900 by Carrelages Céramiques Boch Frères of Maubeuge, an award winning manufacturer celebrated at international expositions for its precision, artistry, and innovation in ceramics. The company was one of the most esteemed tilemakers in northern France, supplying tiles to fine homes, ecclesiastical and state buidlings and institutions across Europe. What distinguishes this floor, beyond its beauty, is its documented design: the tiles are reverse-stamped with the Boch Frères maker's mark, and catalog scans from the period—in the accompanying gallery—confirm the “Fond Renaissance” pattern as one of their signature lines.
The floor's geometry is meticulous. Four-tile tessellations form interlocking floral crosses and curling vegetal motifs—an elegant synthesis of late 19th-century romanticism and the emerging symmetry of Art Nouveau. The design’s rhythmic cohesion is framed by a large border bearing a strong Moorish influence—geometric, bold, and highly ornamented—balanced by a half-size border that lends finesse to the outer edge. This double border layout replicates the floor’s original installation.
Each tile measures approximately 6.7 inches square and over half an inch thick. Fired to a high temperature and weighing more than 50 ounces apiece, they reflect both the visual and physical substance of turn-of-the-century tilemaking. The deep slip colors remain vibrant—earthy reds, warm blues, wheat and cream, and charcoal greys layered in a palette designed to weather further generations of use.
The floor has been carefully restored, its surface cleaned of waxes, dirt and mortar to reveal its original texture and finish. Minor chips and edge nibbles—limited and all groutable—speak to its long history, enhancing rather than distracting from its charm. The inclusion of all four corner tiles for both border types allows for the complete and historically faithful relaying of the full pattern.
In addition to the main inventory, a generous number of damaged tiles is included: 15 field, 9 large borders, and 38 half-size borders—an invaluable reserve for repairs or creative reuse.
The floor totals an impressive c.656 sq ft in surface area. Given its size, it is well suited to commercial projects like restaurants, cafes, hotel and shop fittings. There may be the possibility to sell a small section of the floor. Inquire for details.
Inventory Overview:
- Field Tiles: 1,490 tiles (approx. 463 sq ft)
- Large Border Tiles: 402 tiles + 12 corner tiles (129 sq ft. or approx. 230 linear ft)
- Half-Size Border Tiles: 408 tiles + 16 corner tiles (64 sq ft. or approx. 229 linear ft)
- Total Surface Coverage: 656 square feet
Note:-
Our antique tiles were originally handmade in single or two tile molds. Pre-computer fabrication these molds were machined by hand & the colour slips to create the tile were mixed by measure and eye. When firing the tiles, the kiln temperatures of c.1,100F degrees could also be variable. The result of this production process is that tiles made during this period of non-automation often display subtle size & thickness variations and there can be tonal variations in colors, all of which add to their charm and uniqueness. When photographing a floor, we always take a random section so that it is representative of the whole in tones and patina.
A rigorous quality control during the restoration process will include in the sale any tiles with groutable small chips and edge nibbles, expected of tiles more than 100 years old, but include for free any with larger defaults as rejects, which the tiler can then use for offcuts.
Can we help?
If you can provide a technical drawing, or a simple sketch with key dimensions, we are happy to assist in evaluating and recommending the best layout of the floor in your area of choice. Click here for more details