Medieval Tile Designs

Little remains of the decorative ceramic tiles that once paved the floors of medieval churches and cathedrals. Abraded by time and use, stolen by collectors, or covered by new flooring, these handsome ornamental paving stones (also known as "encaustic tiles") have become rarities. This practical, inexpensive, and comprehensive archive — originally published in the mid-19th century — has preserved many of those ancient designs for future generations. It represents an invaluable source of design i…