Large, 27m2+ antique Belgian floor of twin motifs c.1890

A beautifully ornate but classically geometrical antique Belgian ceramic encaustic floor dated c.1890 totalling more than 27m2 / 290 sq ft.

The two principal field tiles, which are marked Ceramiques de Chimai (the town is called Chimay in French), are 14.5cm sq and the floor is framed by a same size border tile and a half size border tile, laid in duplicate.

The tessellation of the floor is impressive with a 2×2 lay of each tile creating on one hand a round floral themed motif accompanied by a geometric motif again laid 2×2.

The tile fonds are burgundy and cream although blue, leaf green and mustard are also present in the palette. The small borders are polka dot and the large borders appear to have a scallop influenced theme.

The geometry of this floor would allow optional lay configurations. We have relaid the floor as it was originally laid although a 2×2 (4 tiles) motif lay could be replaced with a 4×4 (16 tiles) – We have laid out 16 tiles of one design and photographed it to show how it would look.

This is a beautiful floor and as good as the photographs are they only show a small section. Its period style and palette is very Victorian (French – Napoleon III) and its warmth and ornateness would be well complimented in a Victorian house of high skirting boards, ornate architraves and dark wood furnishings.

The tiles are in good condition, some showing occasional small chips and nibbles expected of a floor of this age but each tile weighs close to 1 kilo and the ceramic is of excellent quality. The floor has had a thorough steam-pressure cleaning at 110 degrees to remove years of stubborn wax and the colours have returned beautifully.

Tile quantities, give or take one or two:-

FIELD – 900 – 450 of each motif

LARGE BORDER – 180 (8 corners)

SMALL BORDER – 375 (16 corners)