Antique USETCO Experimental Copper Reduction Glaze Fireplace Field — 33×36

Description

An extraordinary survival from the experimental edge of American tilemaking at the turn of the 20th century: a substantial fireplace field bearing a glaze far wilder than standard U.S. Encaustic catalog colors. Originally installed as a complete fireplace surround and hearth, these tiles were engineered for heat and fired during a brief moment when American kilns pushed glaze chemistry to its limits. A high-iron, copper-bearing reduction glaze — true copper reds, moss and bottle greens, smoke-gray pooling, and occasional oil-slick iridescence. Distinctive ribbed backing and partial US impressed mark. Approx. 33 × 36 inches of classic 3×6 and 3×3 tile in brick bond. Attributed to U.S. Encaustic Tile Co., c. 1895–1905.