Rare Tile Panel of a Phoenix by American Encaustic, AETCO

A rare and early tile panel of a phoenix by the American Encaustic Tile Company, AETCO, of Zanesville Ohio in the 1890's. Four 6-inch faience tiles make up the near eastern scene of a phoenix amongst twisting vines. The ruby red matte glazes are offset by a shining silver metallic glaze. Influenced by the wallpapers of William Morris and the tiles of William DeMorgan this must be a Herman Mueller design. The panel was professionally framed in a minimalist black metal frame making the finished dimensions 12 1/2" square. Not examined out of the frame the tiles are in very good condition with only minor rubs on the silver glaze. A portion of the backing had been removed to show the mark on the back of the tiles.