Medieval Griffin Encaustic Tile
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An English Medieval encaustic tile with griffin design, 12th-14th century, 13.5 x 13.5 cm
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- Griffin / Griffon / Gryphon - A griffin, also known as a griffon or gryphon, is a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of an eagle. It is typically depicted as a powerful and majestic beast, with the body and legs of a lion and the head, wings, and talons of an eagle. The griffin is widely recognized as a symbol of strength, courage, and guardianship, and has been used in a variety of cultures throughout history.
In ancient mythology, the griffin was often associated with the gods and was considered a symbol of divine power. In ancient Greece, for example, the griffin was associated with the sun god Helios, while in ancient Egypt, it was associated with the goddess Hathor. In medieval European heraldry, the griffin was used as a symbol of strength, valour, and protection, and was often featured on the coats of arms of noble families. - Encaustic - Encaustic tiles have a long history, with some of the earliest examples dating back to the medieval period in Europe. They were popular for use in flooring and as decorative elements in fireplaces, fountains, and walls. The tiles are made using a manufacturing process that involves embedding different coloured clays into a single tile. The clay colours are arranged in intricate designs, and the tiles are then fired to fuse the colours together. The resulting tiles have a surface pattern that is visible even after the tile is glazed and sealed, giving them a distinctive, ornate appearance. Encaustic tiles are typically made by hand and are often used to create focal points in interior design, such as fireplace surrounds, entryways, or accent walls.
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