"XVth Cty Terracotta Tile Mold With Virgin And Gothic Phylactery Bearing Inscription Ave Maria"
HAUTE EPOQUEGothic period, 2nd part of the 15th century or very beginning of the 16th century, Poland or Czechoslovakia
Very rare and interesting folk art terracotta / burn clay tile depicting the Virgin Mary, kneeling in prayer, with a Gothic phylactery above her bearing the inscription “AVE MARIA”.
This writing is also reversed and attests that this is indeed a very rare mold used for the manufacture of religious terracotta tiles.
I ve found several similar pieces from prestigious museum collections, specially the National Historical NARODNI Museum in Prague, both terracotta tiles and dies / moulds used to make the first ones (please check the last 2 photos).
Dimensions 21.5cm height * 17cm width * 3.5cm thickness
Very good condition and beautiful patina of use; However, note a slight lack in the upper right corner (visible in photos).
Black traces of fire on the beveled edge of the mold or at the back of the tile still attest to its prolonged use as a manufacturing tool.
Bibliography: BRYCH Vladimir "STOVES OF THE GOTHIC, RENAISSANCE AND EARLY BAROQUE PERIODS", Prague, National Museum 2004
Le Magazine de PROANTIC
TRÉSORS Magazine
Rivista Artiquariato
