Panel of four Catalan tiles, 17th century, framed.

A rare panel composed of four tiles (rajoles) attributed to Catalan workshops of the 17th century, set in a moulded wooden frame. When assembled, the four tiles form a complete pattern: a large rosette of swirling acanthus leaves around a central octagonal medallion in yellow and green. The cobalt blue and light blue leaves stand out against deep blue reserves with scalloped edges. Yellow and green corner pieces complete the decoration, outlined in manganese. This type of "carpet" decoration, where the pattern is only visible at the scale of several tiles, was used to cover entire walls in homes and religious buildings in Catalonia. The painting is free and lively, with the small irregularities of stanniferous glaze typical of ancient production: drips, bubbles, and crazing. It is a piece of Iberian ceramic history that lends itself to wall hanging or presentation on an easel. Provenance: Label from a Spanish auction house lot no. 5082142. Dimensions. 37 × 37 cm (with frame) Condition. Good condition considering its age. Wear, chips, and small losses of glaze on the edges of the tiles, particularly at the corners and the central junction point, consistent with original wall placement. Firing bubbles and glaze crazing. The tiles are sealed in plaster at the back, and the wooden frame is later. See photos. Material: stanniferous earthenware (glazed terracotta) Origin: Spain (Catalonia) Period: 17th century (attributed).