This is a lovely antique Victorian tile designed by J. Moyr Smith.
John Moyr Smith (12 March 1839 – 1 December 1912) was a Scottish architect and an architectural historian, He was also noted as an artist and designer, famed for his work on ceramic tiles.
It is one of his four tiles that I have in my shop just now.
Just so there is no confusion - this is for ONE SINGLE TILE ONLY.
My tile is in excellent condition with no condition issues. It is 6 inches square and printed in black ink on a beige ground.
This one comes from the series Aesop's Fables and it illustrates the story of the goat, calf and sheep forming a partnership with the Lion.
These "Fables" tiles are harder to find - and this is reflected in my asking price.
STORY: A Calf, a Goat, a Sheep, and a Lion form a partnership, and agree to divide their earnings. The Goat snares a stag and they send for the Lion to come and divide it for them.
The Lion said: “I will make it into four parts: the first part shall be mine for serving as the judge; the second of also mine because I am strongest; the third, because I am bravest; and with regard, the fourth: I will kill anyone who dares touch it.”
MORAL: He who will steal a part will also steal the whole.