The relief design of this Low Art tile consists simply of Japanese style design elements. A field shaped like the leaf of a fan just barely contains the images of three flying birds -- two of them extending beyond its borders. Backing the fan shape are cells filled with different Japanese ground patterns, capturing graphic or textile effects in glazed relief.

In addition to the characteristic Japanese influence, the tile reveals the push of the Aesthetic Movement away from pictures and scenes toward the more modern realm of pure design (or as the original theorists might have it, "art for art's sake").

Certainly in the vanguard of the American tile tradition, the Low Art Tile Works of  Chelsea,  Massachusetts took up the challenge of mass producing goods of high aesthetic worth. Perfecting the combination of ceramic relief and colored transparent glazes, the firm produced not only fireplace surrounds and wall pieces, but planters, clock cases, picture frames, and even a tile studded iron stove.

This tile doubtless constituted part of a Japanese style fireplace set. Alone, however, it presents an asymmetrical composition still absolutely true to the aesthetic intentions of the entire composition.