A Timeless Masterpiece in French Ceramic Design - 531 sq ft - c.1881-1908
This remarkable antique ceramic floor covers an expansive 530 sq ft*, and stands as a stunning example of late 19th to early 20th century French craftsmanship by the renowned Carrelages Céramiques Boch Frères of Maubeuge.
*Given the size of this floor there may be the possibility to sell a section. Enquire for details.
At its heart lies a delicate fern-themed tile, designed to unfold in an elegant four-tile tessellation. Framed by a burgundy lattice themed internal tile and its junction tile, the floor is bordered by a graceful three-tier arrangement, including a double lay of charming geometric half-size tile laid in duplicate.
Produced between 1881 and 1908, this floor is documented in both original Boch Frères catalogues from the period. Scans from these archival sources are included, offering proof of the floors provenance and historical richness.
Each tile is crafted by hand:
- Tile size: c.6.8 inches square
- Half-size border tiles: c.6.8 × 3.4 inches
- Thickness: c.0.55 inches
- Weight: c.50 oz per tile
The ceramics have been sensitively restored, revealing exceptional quality with rich coloration and subtle tonal variations that enhance their handmade character. Thanks to their high-fired nature, these tiles are suitable for indoor and outdoor use, and are fully compatible with underfloor heating systems.
Country of Origin: France
Maker: Carrelages Céramiques Boch Frères, Maubeuge (Nord)
Dating: Circa 1881-1908
Whether integrated into a period restoration or used to elevate a modern interior with a sense of historic luxury, this floor offers enduring elegance and architectural presence.
Tile Inventory:-
- Field Tiles
487 tiles
Coverage: approx. 157 sq ft
Includes 34 half-tile triangles for edge completion - Internal Frame Junction Tiles
180 tiles
Coverage: approx. 60.7 sq ft
Includes 31 half-tile triangles - Burgundy Internal Frame / Large Border Tiles
634 tiles*
Coverage: approx. 199 sq ft
Includes 12 half-tile triangles
*Corner tiles require mitre cuts - Large Plain Borders
170 tiles + 6 corner tiles
Coverage: approx. 54.8 sq ft
Linear length: 98.2 linear ft - Half-Size Border Tiles
375 tiles + 16 corner tiles
Coverage: approx. 59.6 sq ft
Linear length: 213.6 linear ft
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