About this work
These two tiles form a continuous vertical pattern and are most likely from one of the side panels of a fireplace surround. Their decoration consists of overlapping fan shapes placed at jaunty angles so that they cut through the border design and thus give the illusion of depth between the shapes. The fans are decorated alternately with cropped floral and willow tree motifs and carp fish amidst swirling water. The use of such popular Japanese ornamental motifs is indicative of the middle-class market to whom Minton would have marketed such wares.