Large Faux-Mosaique Ceramic Floor, circa 1910 with Art Deco influences
Currently in France and soon to be shipped to The French Antique Tile Company
A beautifully detailed Belgian ceramic floor dating from around 1910, reclaimed from its original setting and individually restored ready for relaying. Covering approximately 242 sq ft, this impressive encaustic floor was produced by Société Anonyme La Céramique Nationale Welkenraedt, with original catalogue imagery from their period catalog included in the gallery for provenance.
The design follows the highly decorative faux-mosaique style popular in early 20th century France and Belgium, where intricate mosaic effects were created using solid ceramic tiles rather than individual tesserae. Comprising six different 5.6 inch square tile designs, the floor combines geometric complexity with strong early Art Deco influences, including a striking star-patterned field and layered border arrangement.
Originally laid with both single and double borders, the composition creates a richly framed architectural effect, and period photographs showing the original layout are included within the gallery. Due to the complexity of the design, we are happy to provide a complimentary technical layout drawing for the purchaser.
The tiles have restored exceptionally well, retaining crisp colours and excellent definition. Suitable for both interior and exterior use, and compatible with underfloor heating, the ceramics remain in very good antique condition with only minor age-related edge wear and small groutable chips adding character and authenticity.
Tile counts by design type are included within the photo gallery.
More details are available on request.
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