Ceramic Tile Art Depicting a Rider on an Animal Appraisal
Category: Ceramic Tile Art
Description
This item is a set of four square ceramic tiles, arranged to form a unified artistic scene. The tiles appear to be individually glazed and fired, with a gloss finish. The overall image depicts a person, likely a farmer, riding a large blue animal, possibly a water buffalo or bull, through a landscape. The color palette is rich and vibrant, with prominent use of yellow, orange, brown, blue, green, and black. The landscape features stylized houses with red roofs in the background, and the ground is rendered in a checkered pattern of various warm tones. The sky is a deep blue-green with stylized white clouds. The figure riding the animal is wearing an orange vest over black pants, with a light blue head covering. The animal has a prominent hump and stylized legs. There are visible brushstrokes and variations in the glaze application, suggesting hand-painting or artisanal production. The tiles are butted together, and the image appears to flow across all four pieces, although there are slight disconnections along the tile lines. There are no immediately visible chips, cracks, or significant surface damage in the provided image. The style appears to be folk art or naive art, with simplified forms and bright colors. Without visible maker's marks or signatures, estimating the exact age and manufacturing details is difficult, but the style suggests possibly mid to late 20th century. The craftsmanship appears to be of good quality for this style, with distinct lines and bold colors.
Appraisal Report
I have examined the provided image of the four-tile ceramic art depicting a rider on an animal. Based on visual inspection, the tiles appear to be in good condition with no immediately visible chips or cracks, although minor surface wear is impossible to ascertain from an image alone. The vibrant folk art or naive style with hand-painted elements suggests artisanal production, likely mid to late 20th century. Authenticity as to origin, maker, or exact age cannot be definitively confirmed via image alone. In-person examination would be necessary to assess surface texture, weight, and reverse markings (or lack thereof), all crucial for identification. Provenance documentation, if available, would also significantly aid in authentication. Scientific testing, such as elemental analysis of the glaze or clay body, could provide further clues to origin and age. Comparable items in this decorative folk art tile category typically sell in a moderate range. Demand exists for unique, well-executed decorative ceramic art, but without a known artist or specific historical significance, rarity is moderate. Factors impacting value include the overall aesthetic appeal, good condition, and the assumed hand-painted nature; conversely, the lack of definitive attribution limits the top end of the value. Market comparables for unsigned decorative folk art tiles of this size and style typically range from $150 to $250.
Appraisal Value
$150-250