An exquisitely detailed French ceramic - 186 sq ft. c.1910
There are antique ceramic floors that impress through scale, and others that captivate through intricacy. This exceptional antique ceramic floor succeeds in both.
Manufactured during the golden age of French encaustic ceramic production by the renowned Compagnie Française Mosaïque Céramique de Maubeuge at their factory in Montplaisir, this remarkable design displays a level of artistry that immediately distinguishes it from more conventional geometric Victorian floors. Rather than relying upon a single repeating tile, the central field is created from two complementary tiles whose patterns interlock and tessellate seamlessly, producing an endlessly flowing composition rich in movement and detail.
The effect is extraordinary. Every junction creates fresh visual interest, with scrolling ribbons, delicate botanical forms and finely drawn medallions combining to give the impression that the floor has been individually hand painted rather than assembled from hundreds of ceramic tiles. Warm terracotta reds, soft sage greens, duck-egg blue, ivory, ochre and charcoal create an elegant, welcoming palette.
One of the defining features of this design is its magnificent border. Unlike conventional single-tile borders, this floor employs Montplaisir's celebrated border laid double, back-to-back, creating a richly framed perimeter that gives the installation remarkable presence. The paired border transforms what would normally be a decorative edge into an architectural feature.
Each tile measures 5.6 inches sq and was manufactured from dense, high-fired ceramic using the traditional inlaid clay process for which Montplaisir became internationally renowned. These are genuine architectural ceramics designed to last for generations and remain perfectly suited to modern living.
The tiles are in very good antique condition; a few displaying occasional grout-able edge nibbling or small chips expected from an antique floor with an authentic and charming handmade patina that is well over 100 years old. They are suitable for installation both internally and externally and will work very efficiently with underfloor heating systems, combining historic beauty with modern practicality.
In the gallery, the original presentation of the tiles in the Montplaisir period catalog accompany photographs of a random section of the floor available, providing excellent provenance and further illustrating the exceptional quality of the design.
Technical Specification
- Manufacturer: Compagnie Française Mosaïque Céramique de Maubeuge – Usine de Montplaisir
- Country of Origin: France
- Date: Circa 1900–1915
- Tile Size: 5.6 inches square
- Construction: Traditional high-fired inlaid ceramic
- Condition: Very good antique condition
- Suitable for: Internal and external installation and on walls
- Underfloor Heating: Fully compatible
- Provenance: Original Montplaisir catalogue presentation
- Installation: Comprehensive layout drawings available
This is an unusually complete and visually striking period ceramic. The combination of the rare two-tile tessellating field, the richly colored palette and the distinctive double back-to-back border creates a composition of exceptional sophistication—one that would become the defining architectural feature of any entrance hall, garden room, orangery, kitchen or period restoration.
Tile Quantities
Field Tile ‘Red cross’ - 316 tiles — 68.5 sq. ft
Field Tile ‘Medallion’ - 317 tiles — 68.5 sq. ft
Total Field Tiles - 633 tiles — 137 sq. ft
Border Tiles: 224 tiles — 48.6 sq. ft and 108 linear feet as a back-to-back lay plus 4 internal border corners and 4 external border corners
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