1940s Czech Modernist Ceramic Art Studio Tile, Fish Motif Made in Bohemia-Moravia

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Rare ceramic art tile marked “Made in Bohemia-Moravia,” two historical regions that today make up the Czech Republic. This marking … Read more Rare ceramic art tile marked “Made in Bohemia-Moravia,” two historical regions that today make up the Czech Republic. This marking typically refers to items made from 1939 to 1945 during the WWII-era Czech protectorate. During this era, Czech tile and ceramic manufacturers were known for their high-quality art deco and modernist designs, often exported across Europe.

This tile features a hand-glazed, stylized aquatic scene with bold, graphic swimming fish in rich celadon-ish green, black, dusty rose, and ivory tones. Hand-painting with bold lines evokes European modernist and folk traditions.

The back is marked with code "F-1 5 1115," likely a factory or studio code for the batch, style or model number; "VI-42," possibly the production month/year of June 1942, and handwritten “Erika,” referencing the pattern name, design series or even the artisan decorator’s name. Raised “B” and “111” are possibly marks for the manufacturer and mold number or pattern.

It would be ideal as a wall or backsplash-mounted piece, part of a gallery wall, framed as standalone art, or backed with felt to serve as a pretty place to set a drink. This piece is a striking addition for mid-century, cottagecore, coastal interiors, or even Scandinavian aficionados. See less