Large Relief Tile Panels of the New World

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1 Large Relief Tile Panels of the New World MORAVIAN POTTERY & TILE WORKS

3 Designed in the early 1900 s, by Henry Chapman Mercer, the New World relief panels shown in this catalogue illustrate the discovery, exploration, and early events of the Americas. Relief panels include Leif Ericsson, Columbus, Henry Hudson, Balboa and other important figures in this early period of exploration. Yet others illustrate fantastic myths such as El Dorado, as well as common items found and exported from the Americas such as tobacco, corn, potatoes and turkeys. Most are derived from early Spanish engravings reproduced in Justin Winsor s Narrative and Critical History of the Americas published in The Plus Ultra appeared to be Mercer s favorite design as he used it throughout Fonthill, his castle like home. Its two columns representing the Pillars of Hercules,or what is more commonly known as the Strait of Gibraltar, symbolize the end of the world. The Latin phrase Plus Ultra, or More Beyond, referred to the Americas and may also be used as a metaphor for great possibilities and the future. PLVS ULTRA! To Order Call: Page 3

4 MORAVIAN POTTERY AND TILE WORKS Table of Contents New World Relief Panels 5 The Moravian Pottery & Tile Works 16 Price List 17 What to expect 18 Display easel 20 Ordering and Shipping 22 Page 4

5 NEW WORLD RELIEF PANELS All relief panels are reissues of the original designs produced in the early 1900 s and are historically accurate to the best of our abilities. They include half-round borders (not shown) across the top and bottom to complete the frame. Relief panels may be placed side by side to create a frieze 14 tall and may also be ordered by the running foot. Made from locally dug Bucks County clay, the relief panels are pressed out of exact copies of the museum s original archived molds and allowed to dry for a period of several weeks. When completely dry they are then layered with sawdust in a ceramic container. Once the container is filled it is sealed and fired in a kiln to approximately 2000 F. Allowed to cool completely, they are unloaded and the sawdust ash is dusted off resulting in the historic cindered finish giving them an ancient antique appearance. The fired pieces are then mounted on a bed of cement and allowed to cure for 4 weeks before being acid washed. Mounted panels are approximately 2 thick and include a hook for hanging. Relief panels may be ordered as loose pieces with a mounting guide if you intend to mount them directly onto a wall or fireplace. To Order Call: Page 5

sometimes marked upon the fanciful maps of ancient

6 MORAVIAN POTTERY AND TILE WORKS ANTIGLIA A mythical island in the Sea of Darkness, or Western Ocean, sometimes marked upon the fanciful maps of ancient geographers. Origin of the name Antilles. 14 H x 15 W Page 6

ATLANTIS Most celebrated of the fabled Islands of the once unknown Atlantic Ocean. Described by Plato.

14 H x 20 W AVALON The Isle of Apples, paradise of Celtic mythology.

14 H x 16 W AZTEC TEMPLE OF SACRIFICE A giant, headless human statue, the God Huitzilopochtle stands on a staircase between piles of human heads and below two temples set

7 ATLANTIS Most celebrated of the fabled Islands of the once unknown Atlantic Ocean. Described by Plato. Fabled origin of American and European peoples, and pathway between the two continents. Submerged in an earthquake. 14 H x 20 W AVALON The Isle of Apples, paradise of Celtic mythology. A fabled magical island beyond the sunset in the Atlantic Ocean, one of the visionary types of undiscovered America. Where King Arthur s sword Excalibur was forged. 14 H x 16 W AZTEC TEMPLE OF SACRIFICE A giant, headless human statue, the God Huitzilopochtle stands on a staircase between piles of human heads and below two temples set upon a higher platform; between the towers the head of the God is wedged. From a map picture on the Cortez plan of Mexico of BURNING COPAL According to a native picture in the ancient manuscripts known as the Codex Columbino and Codex Mendoza, the Indian Priest of Yucatan carrying the copal bag, burns the perfumed gum in an earthen bowl upheld in his right hand. 14 H x 14 W To Order Call: Page 7

MORAVIAN POTTERY AND TILE WORKS CARAVEL OF COLUMBUS The Nina and Pinta, two of Columbus three ships, were Caravels.

These quick and shallow keeled ships were perfectly suited for exploring close to the coastline and could sail upriver in shallow

CONCH HORN In elaborate costume with head-dress and sandals, the ancient Priest of Yucatan holding an earthen water vessel in his

CROSSING BEHRING STRAITS Boats crowded with men, the fabled sea serpent, a polar bear upon an ice flow, blowing heads of storm

8 MORAVIAN POTTERY AND TILE WORKS CARAVEL OF COLUMBUS The Nina and Pinta, two of Columbus three ships, were Caravels. Columbus s favorite ship was the Nina, in which he eventually bought part ownership. These quick and shallow keeled ships were perfectly suited for exploring close to the coastline and could sail upriver in shallow coastal waters. CONCH HORN In elaborate costume with head-dress and sandals, the ancient Priest of Yucatan holding an earthen water vessel in his left hand, blows by vibration of the lips, a horn made of perforated shell of the Sea Conch. CROSSING BEHRING STRAITS Boats crowded with men, the fabled sea serpent, a polar bear upon an ice flow, blowing heads of storm demons, rudely typify the strange adventure when unknown savages first crossed Behring Straits to discover America. 14 H x 12 W DEPARTURE OF COLUMBUS Columbus in armor with his three ships and the Sovereigns of Spain, Ferdinand and Isabella, are shown under vaulted canopies in the style of the carvings of the 17 th century. 14 H x 21 W Page 8

DESOTO (MISSISSIPPI RIVER) Hernando Desoto stands in a boat before a shield bearing his name and waves a banner

This great explorer was probably the first white man to see and cross the Mississippi, in 1541.

14 H x 13 DESTRUCTION OF ATLANTIS The fanciful picture shows the fabled destruction of Atlantis, as at sunset, the

14 H x 15 W DIGGING POTATOES The potato was unknown to the Eastern world before the discovery of America.

9 DESOTO (MISSISSIPPI RIVER) Hernando Desoto stands in a boat before a shield bearing his name and waves a banner carrying the name Mississippi River. This great explorer was probably the first white man to see and cross the Mississippi, in He died on its banks and was buried in its waters. 14 H x 13 DESTRUCTION OF ATLANTIS The fanciful picture shows the fabled destruction of Atlantis, as at sunset, the demon of earthquake and lightning, seated upon the edge of the world, hurls thunder bolts upon the doomed island. 14 H x 15 W DIGGING POTATOES The potato was unknown to the Eastern world before the discovery of America. In a garden near the walls of the Inca city of Tiahuanacu, an Indian in sandals and elaborate head-dress digs potatoes with a wooden spade. 14 H x 12 W ESKIMO DOGS Five dogs are here shown, harnessed to a sled carrying two Eskimos dressed in furs. To Order Call: Page 9

MORAVIAN POTTERY AND TILE WORKS FORTUNATE ISLES A fairy standing upon a sea crag scatters flowers from a

14 H x 14 W HUDSON RIVER Hendrick Hudson, discoverer of the Hudson River in 1609, leans over the taffrail

14 H x 13 W KABAL As a substitute for the famous potter s wheel of Europe, the Indian woman potter of

10 MORAVIAN POTTERY AND TILE WORKS FORTUNATE ISLES A fairy standing upon a sea crag scatters flowers from a cornucopia over the fabled Fortunate Islands or the Islands of the Blessed, of the Ancient Atlantic Ocean. 14 H x 14 W HUDSON RIVER Hendrick Hudson, discoverer of the Hudson River in 1609, leans over the taffrail of his ship while an Indian in a barked canoe offers him a present of native walnuts. 14 H x 13 W KABAL As a substitute for the famous potter s wheel of Europe, the Indian woman potter of Yucatan turns with her bare feet a disc of wood, upon which a lump of plastic clay revolves to take shape in her hands. LEIF ERICSSON A Norwegian sea rover, who, according to an ancient Norse manuscript known as the Codex Flatoyensis compiled from oral tradition about 1390, discovered America about the year 1000, or 492 years before Columbus. Page 10

MAKING ARROWHEADS The Indian holding a block of jasper in his left hand against his knee, chips it into the shape

MONTEZUMA Montezuma, king of the ancient Mexico, whose Aztec empire and marvelous city were destroyed by the

NORSE SHIPS The Norse sea rovers, discoverers of Iceland, Greenland and perhaps America, appear on the decks of

monstrous animals. On one, a vulture devours the head of a slain enemy set upon a pole at the bow.

11 MAKING ARROWHEADS The Indian holding a block of jasper in his left hand against his knee, chips it into the shape of an arrow or spear by repeated blows of a large quartzite pebble held in his right hand. MONTEZUMA Montezuma, king of the ancient Mexico, whose Aztec empire and marvelous city were destroyed by the Spaniards. NORSE SHIPS The Norse sea rovers, discoverers of Iceland, Greenland and perhaps America, appear on the decks of two ships sailing side by side, followed by vultures, adorned at prow and stern with the heads and tails of monstrous animals. On one, a vulture devours the head of a slain enemy set upon a pole at the bow. 14 H x 14 W NORUMBEGA A fabled city with splendid houses supported on pillars of crystal and silver, marked upon the maps of ancient geographers as the capitol of a populous region in the unknown forests of New England or Canada. To Order Call: Page 11

MORAVIAN POTTERY AND TILE WORKS NOSEPIPE An Indian of the West Indies inhales tobacco through the

of tobacco holds another such pipe in his left hand.

William Penn and Chief Tamanend made a Treaty of Friendship.

rock. The Captain shouts orders; a mother recovers her child in the crowd as the Pilgrims ascend the

12 MORAVIAN POTTERY AND TILE WORKS NOSEPIPE An Indian of the West Indies inhales tobacco through the nostrils by means of a nose pipe, as seen by the early Spanish explorer, while a companion with a bowl of tobacco holds another such pipe in his left hand. PENN S TREATY Under the celebrated elm tree on the Delaware River near Philadelphia at Kensington, William Penn and Chief Tamanend made a Treaty of Friendship. 14 H x 14 W PILGRIMS LANDING The Mayflower lay at anchor as her boats land the Puritans upon Plymouth rock. The Captain shouts orders; a mother recovers her child in the crowd as the Pilgrims ascend the bank. 14 H x 14 W PIZARRO AND THE INCA Before the Inca city of Cuzco, Pizarro rejects, as too small, the golden ransom offered by his condemned captive, the last native Emperor of Peru. 14 H x 13 W Page 12

PLUCKING INDIAN CORN Maize, the greatest of American plants, unknown in Europe before Columbus, cultivated by Indians in North and South America, is here

PLUS ULTRA 14 H x 9 W Emblem adopted by the Emperor Charles the Fifth in honor of America newly discovered.

The words Plus Ultra, or More Beyond, refer to America.

POTATOES IN IRELAND Under an effigy of St Patrick, the Shan Van Vocht (Poor Old Woman) representing the genius of Ireland receives a potato from the hand

13 PLUCKING INDIAN CORN Maize, the greatest of American plants, unknown in Europe before Columbus, cultivated by Indians in North and South America, is here shown; as an Indian of ancient Yucatan plucks the stripped ears from the stalk, while another carries corn in an earthen bowl. PLUS ULTRA 14 H x 9 W Emblem adopted by the Emperor Charles the Fifth in honor of America newly discovered. Two columns, the Pillars of Hercules, represent the Straits of Gibraltar, known as the end of the ancient world. The words Plus Ultra, or More Beyond, refer to America. The image was later stamped on Spanish American coins, and is probably the origin of the familiar dollar symbol $. POTATOES IN IRELAND Under an effigy of St Patrick, the Shan Van Vocht (Poor Old Woman) representing the genius of Ireland receives a potato from the hand of Sir Walter Raleigh as he stands in a boat loaded with potatoes. The picture typifies the introduction of the celebrated vegetable into Ireland by Raleigh in H x 15W POWHATAN The Virginia Chief celebrated in the narrative of the explorer Captain John smith, with wolf skin waist cloth, bow, and war club, as shown on Smith s map of Virginia of H x 10 W To Order Call: Page 13

MORAVIAN POTTERY AND TILE WORKS RALEIGH SMOKING TOBACCO According to the celebrated story, a servant, supposing Sir Walter Raleigh to be on fire, throws a bucket of water over him as he smokes the

14 H x 14 W SAD NIGHT (TRISTE NOCHE) When, after a disastrous defeat by the Aztecs at the Bridge of Mexico, Cortez and his despairing soldiers rested under a celebrated cypress whose dried trunk is

14 MORAVIAN POTTERY AND TILE WORKS RALEIGH SMOKING TOBACCO According to the celebrated story, a servant, supposing Sir Walter Raleigh to be on fire, throws a bucket of water over him as he smokes the then unheard of tobacco. 14 H x 14 W SAD NIGHT (TRISTE NOCHE) When, after a disastrous defeat by the Aztecs at the Bridge of Mexico, Cortez and his despairing soldiers rested under a celebrated cypress whose dried trunk is now preserved in a small garden in the Colonia Popotla neighborhood of Mexico City. 14 H x 14 W SEA OF DARKNESS A monstrous marine snake issuing from a sea cave, where a ship is moored, swallows a sailor, while his terrified comrades climb the rigging for their lives. From a 1555 print by the Swedish geographer Olaus Magnus. 14 H x 25 W SKRAELLINGS A wild people, possibly Eskimo, who, according to the ancient Norse tradition of the Codex Flatoyensis, attacked the Norse voyagers on the American coast. Two of them are here shown in a boat, dressed in furs. With bow, arrow, and bone harpoon, they threaten their enemies. Page 14

TURKEY HOUSE The turkey, originating in America, was domesticated and caged by pre- Columbian Indians in Mexico

VINELAND An unknown place on the American coast, where an ancient Norse tradition says that Leif Ericsson

The picture shows an Indian plucking fox grapes for one of the Norse sea rovers seated in a boat.

spear and uplifted stone axe appears in the elaborate war dress of the time before Columbus, as shown in the

15 TURKEY HOUSE The turkey, originating in America, was domesticated and caged by pre- Columbian Indians in Mexico and Arizona, as suggested in the emblematic picture. VINELAND An unknown place on the American coast, where an ancient Norse tradition says that Leif Ericsson discovered grapes growing and founded a colony about 500 years before Columbus. The picture shows an Indian plucking fox grapes for one of the Norse sea rovers seated in a boat. 14 H x 14 W WARRIOR OF YUCATAN The Maya Indian warrior of ancient America with target, double pointed obsidian spear and uplifted stone axe appears in the elaborate war dress of the time before Columbus, as shown in the ancient native manuscript known as the Codex Columbino. WORSHIPPING THE SUN Peruvian Priests, upon the steps of a temple, surmounted by a basket of sacrificial fruit, worship the rising sun. 14 H x 16 W To Order Call: Page 15

16 MORAVIAN POTTERY AND TILE WORKS The Moravian Pottery and Tile Works, a National Historic Landmark, is maintained as a "working history" museum by Pennsylvania's County of Bucks, Department of Parks and Recreation. Handmade tiles are still produced in a manner similar to that developed by the pottery's founder and builder, Henry Chapman Mercer ( ). Mercer was a major proponent of the Arts & Crafts Movement in America. He directed the work at the pottery from 1898 until his death in You may still purchase handmade reissues of tiles, mosaics, and relief panels made in the American Arts & Crafts tradition from us. Come visit and tour our historic museum. Check our catalogue to see the many tiles we have for gifts and installations such as kitchens, fireplaces, floors and walls. Tours are offered every half-hour and consist of a brief video and a walk through the facility. Visitors will see original installations, various displays, and selected aspects of current tile production. Admission fees and operating hours are subject to change. Please call us to verify. Open Daily 10:00 AM -4:45 PM Closed selected holidays Last Tour at 4 pm The Tile Shop is open daily 10:00 AM - 4:45 PM (free entry) Page 16

17 PRICE LIST Effective 08/01/2010 Dimensions are in inches, weights are in pounds RELIEF PANEL NAME Height Width Cost Mounted Weight Mounted Loose Weight Cost for loose pieces ANTIGLIA $ $ ATLANTIS $ $ AVALON $ $ AZTEC TEMPLE OF SACRIFICE $ $ BURNING COPAL $ $ CARAVEL OF COLUMBUS $ $ CONCH HORN $ $ CROSSING BEHRING STRAITS $ $ DEPARTURE OF COLUMBUS $ $ DESOTO $ $ DESTRUCTION OF ATLANTIS $ $ DIGGING POTATOES $ $ ESKIMO DOGS $ $ FORTUNATAE $ $ HUDSON RIVER $ $ KABAL (POTTERS WHEEL) $ $ LEIF ERIKSON $ $ MAKING ARROWHEADS $ $ MONTEZUMA $ $ NORSE SHIP $ $ NORUM BEGA $ $ NOSEPIPE $ $ PENN'S TREATY $ $ PILGRIMS LANDING $ $ PIZARRO & THE INCA $ $ PLUCKING INDIAN CORN $ $ PLUS ULTRA 14 9 $ $ POTATOES IN IRELAND $ $ POWHATAN $ $ RALEIGH SMOKING TOBACCO $ $ SAD NIGHT (CORTES) $ $ SEA OF DARKNESS $ $ SKRAELLINGS $ $ TURKEY HOUSE $ $ VINELAND $ $ WARRIOR OF YUCATAN $ $ WORSHIPPING THE SUN $ $ To Order Call: Page 17

Loose relief panels are available in pieces approximately 1 thick and can be ready for shipping or pickup within two weeks.

18 WHAT TO EXPECT All relief panels include half-round borders above and below to frame out the design. Panels vary in coloration due to the nature of the cindering process explained on page 5. Loose relief panels are available in pieces approximately 1 thick and can be ready for shipping or pickup within two weeks. Some relief panels may be composed of as many as 22 pieces. They are lightly glued to cardboard and must be removed from the cardboard by soaking in water. Loose pieces are provided with an outline map as an assembly aid. Page 18

Mounted relief panels are approximately 2 thick cement inclusive and have a hook on the reverse for hanging.

19 MORAVIAN POTTERY AND TILE WORKS Mounted relief panels are set into a cement bed and require curing for 4 weeks they usually are available for pickup or shipping 6 weeks after ordering. Mounted relief panels are approximately 2 thick cement inclusive and have a hook on the reverse for hanging. Shown with included half-round borders. Every mounted relief panel also has a tile inset into the back which has the mark of the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works, the year of mounting in cement and Bucks County. Hanging hook and tile inset To Order Call: Page 19

DISPLAY EASEL An eight inch tall wrought iron easel is available to display your mounted New World relief panel. We suggest using 2 easels for any panel 20 inches or wider.

20 DISPLAY EASEL An eight inch tall wrought iron easel is available to display your mounted New World relief panel. We suggest using 2 easels for any panel 20 inches or wider. $ 12 each Weight 1 lb Easels may be ordered individually without a relief panel. Shipping is $8 for the first easel, add 50 cents to shipping for each additional easel ordered. Contact us for rates to Alaska, Hawaii, or Puerto Rico. Shipping costs may be calculated by referring to the charts on the next 2 pages. Weights for relief panels are listed with prices on page17. Orders may be placed by contacting us at the address below. A 50% deposit is required to begin production. Moravian Pottery and Tile Works 130 E Swamp Road Doylestown, Pa Tel: Fax: tileshop@co.bucks.pa.us Relief panels shipped out of Pennsylvania are not taxed. Page 20

21 ZONE CHART Dest. ZIP Zone Dest. ZIP Zone Dest. ZIP Zone To Order Call: Page 21

22 ORDERING AND SHIPPING We ship our relief panels via UPS. Call or write us and we will be happy to calculate the shipping cost for you. If you would like to estimate it yourself you can find your shipping zone by looking up the first 3 digits of your zip code using the Zone Chart on the preceding page. Relief panel weights are listed in the Price List on page 17. Below you can look up the weight of the relief panel and the appropriate zone to estimate shipping and handling. Rates below include an 8$ handling and processing fee. Please contact us to confirm the shipping prices as they are subject to change. Please contact us for shipping costs to Alaska and Hawaii. We do not ship outside of the United States. Zones WT &45 6 lbs Loose relief panel weights and shipping charges Mounted relief panel weights and shipping charges Page 22

New World Relief Panels may be ordered by the running foot as loose pieces for $150.40 per linear foot. Illustrated above is an arrangement of 3 ½ linear feet (14 high).

23 New World Relief Panels may be ordered by the running foot as loose pieces for $ per linear foot. Illustrated above is an arrangement of 3 ½ linear feet (14 high). For assistance with planning an installation such as a frieze or fireplace please contact Adam Zayas, our Head Ceramist, at He can also be reached via at azayas@co.bucks.pa.us To Order Call: Page 23

Phone: 215.348.6098 Fax: 215.345.1361 E-mail: tileshop@co.bucks.pa.us http://buckscounty.

24 Bucks County Seal 21 Diameter $461 mounted in cement MORAVIAN POTTERY AND TILE WORKS Bucks County Department of Parks and Recreation Division of Historic Properties 130 E Swamp Road Doylestown, PA Phone: Fax: tileshop@co.bucks.pa.us COUNTY COMMISSIONERS: CHARLES H. MARTIN, CHAIRMAN - ROBERT G. LOUGHERY, DIANE M. ELLIS-MARSEGLIA, LCSW

MORAVIAN POTTERY & TILE WORKS. Tiles of the Four Seasons

MORAVIAN POTTERY & TILE WORKS. Tiles of the Four Seasons MORAVIAN POTTERY & TILE WORKS Tiles of the Four Seasons About Us The Moravian Pottery and Tile Works, a National Historic Landmark, is maintained as a working history museum by Pennsylvania s County of