Lovely art nouveau ceramic tiles also known as Majolica tiles date back to the late 1800s, and are a popular staple in Malaysian homes. Introduced to the archipelago by either the Dutch, the Chinese, or both, ceramic tiles were used to adorn the wide staircases of traditional Malay homes, and almost always decorated the shophouses of Chinese Peranakans, where they were typically placed below the front windows on the ground floor. With their colorful floral and geometric motifs, the tiles have become a staple of what’s known as the Straits Eclectic style of architecture. This one was likely manufactured in England at the end of the 19th century.
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With average temperatures between 75 and 89
degrees, architecture in the Malay Archipelago has traditionally been dictated
by the weather. The first native dwellings made use of such heat-combating
features as rais...
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With average temperatures between 75 and 89
degrees, architecture in the Malay Archipelago has traditionally been dictated
by the weather. The first native dwellings made use of such heat-combating
features as raised verandas, high ceilings and ventilation grilles, and
arriving newcomers like the Chinese wisely kept these Malay hallmarks, while
adding their own twist. This fusion would get a fresh injection with the European
occupation of the region, especially by the British, who took over in 1825,
bringing Western design elements like classical pilasters and intricate plaster
moldings. The island’s prosperous Peranakan community took a liking to the new
European architecture, and incorporated many of its aspects without sacrificing
their own aesthetic, resulting in the delightful stylistic mélange known as “Straits
Eclectic.”
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Details and Dimensions
Antique
Ceramic
Sold as a set of 4
Each tile is 6 x 6"
