Medieval tile with animal decoration, Manises 15th century

Beautiful and Rare Gothic tile with figurative decoration, made in Manises (Valencia) in the mid-15th century.
It depicts a doe lying on a bush, possibly a laurel, to which it is tied by a chain around its neck. These elements occupy the entire surface of the tile, whose composition is framed by a blue perimeter line.

It is probably a family emblem, not yet identified, and interestingly it is not included in the renowned reference work by Manuel González-Martí (Cerámica del Levante español), which adds to its rarity and collector’s appeal. However, it is reproduced in the tile catalog of the Mascort Collection (No. 105), as well as in the Gothic tile catalog of the Jordi Llorens i Solanilla Collection (Fig. 389).

It is worth highlighting the excellent state of preservation of this piece, something rarely seen in tiles from this period.


Technique: Tin-glazed earthenware, cobalt blue decoration
Dimensions: 13 x 13 x 2,2 cm
Condition: Very good. No restorations, visible chips on the surface and slight wear on the edge.
Provenance: Private Collection, Valencia.