The "craftsman" floor tiles pictured are reproductions of tile manufactured in America from 1890 to 1940. The "pentagon and squares" tile pattern predates America by hundreds of years. It can be found in ancient Turkish and East Indian tile installations and later appears in Europe prior to European expansion into the "New World."

Santa Fe Design Studio of Madison, Wisconsin is currently the only manufacturer reproducing these tiles on a regular basis. They are marketed in 8 specialty tile stores throughout the country and are available at Santa Fe Design Studio.

The multi-colored clay bodies selected for this reproduction floor tile are highly vitrified stoneware fired to 2156 degrees. The flashing is created by rubbing in iron oxide at the bisque stage of production. Some manufacturers achieved this look by stacking the tiles on top of each other and firing in a reduction atmosphere. Warpage and great size variation was not seen as unsightly. In fact, it added to the handmade undulating nature of the finished floor. There was never an attempt to look "factory perfect."

The pattern lends itself to emphasizing the 8 piece square or the 12 piece octagon. Often a relief tile or glazed tile was substituted in place of the unglazed square. Glazed relief tiles were often deep cobalt blue, dark wine reds, and sage greens. Borders of many descriptions often lined the paerimeters of the foyers, halls and bathrooms where these tiles were used. THis tile was common in the very affordable bungalows as well as the high end housing built in the first half of the 20th century. Many local installations can be found in theatres, public buildings and residences.

-Eric Rattan

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