Duban Designs Appraisal

J. Duban Designs Handcrafted Decorative Hanging Tile Cross

This item is a decorative hanging tile, shaped like a cross. It appears to be made of ceramic or a similar clay-based material, finished with a smooth, off-white or cream-colored glaze. The reverse side, as shown in the image, is flat and reveals the item's handcrafted nature. Attached to the top two arms of the cross is a loop of dark blue velvet or satin ribbon, securely fastened through two holes, serving as a hanger. Two labels are adhered to the back: a larger, yellow rectangular label positioned centrally near the top, and a smaller, white rectangular label below it on the vertical arm of the cross. The yellow label clearly displays 'J. Duban Designs - Decorative Hanging Tile - Handcrafted - Special Gifts and Unique Collectibles' along with contact information, including 'Jackson Duban', a phone number, and an address in Fort Worth, Texas. The smaller white label on the lower arm of the cross appears to contain text, possibly a prayer or inspirational quote, though the details are not fully legible in the image. The overall condition seems good, with no visible chips, cracks, or significant wear on the glazed surface. The ribbon hanger also appears to be in good condition. The piece suggests a contemporary style, likely dating from the period when J. Duban Designs was active, which can be estimated based on the presence of a modern address and phone number on the label. The craftsmanship appears clean and commercial, typical of a gift shop or craft fair item. The piece's unique aspects lie in its handcrafted origin and the specific text it might bear on the front (which is not visible) and the smaller label.