1896 Large Jugendstil Carl Sigmund Luber Tile for Johann von Schwarz Keramikfabrik (Nuremberg)

Carl Sigmund Luber (1863-1934) maiden tile, manufactered by the Nuremberg factory of Johann von Schwarz where Luber worked as their chief designer between 1896 to 1906. This large ceramic tile has a dream-like quality featuring a reflective woman in profile, possibly intoxicated by her thoughts (or a poppy derivative!). The background color is a deep dark blue, which thins out in coloration near the tile lines providing a nice "glow" effect around the poppy flower and maiden. Incised on the back “SR 8931” and additionally painted “A. b 318. 4.” An oval version of this same tile with identical color combinations carries the incised number “8932” and is additionally painted with “A. b318.” (see picture #2). An additional oval version of the same form, but with different color palate, and the incised numbers are the same, but the painted marks are different (e.g., b319 VII). This indicates that the Johann von Schwarz incised numbers reference the form, while the painted marks reference the color palate for any particular form. The same coloring rectangular tile in a pewter drinking tray frame is pictured Wolfgang König u. Rudolf Weichselbaum, Carl Sigmund Luber, Einbeck 2006, p.126, WV 707 (color version) and p. 238 list. Dimensions: 17.50”(W) x 11”(H).