This amazing large maiolica tile dates from the the 16th Century circa 1580 and originally formed a section of a wood burning stove or oven which was used in rooms in renaissance castles for heating.
A similar tile can be viewed in a Hungarian Museum which came from the Rudnyansky Mansion in Germany. The Victoria and Albert Museum in the United Kingdom has exhibits of wood burning renaissance stoves from the later 16th century.
This tile is unusual for it's massive size and the number of colors in the glaze. The typical high relief tiles which have survived intact through historical turmoils over the last four hundred years are finished entirely in a thick green glaze.
It is heavy weighing 9.5 kilograms.
This rare renaissance oven tile measures 19 9/16" tall by 11 15/16" wide by 2 3/4" deep (497mm x 304mm x 70mm).
The glaze continues to the left and right side of the tile a little over the sides but does not extend to the top of bottom.
This weighs over 20 kg it is exceedingly heavy

From the reverse plaster and building materials used to fix the tile in place can be seen on the tile. The tile is strong and intact, however when it is moved the friable plaster debris from the building on the reverse does fall away a little.
From the front the tile is incredibly intact for four hundred years of age. There are a few chips here and there which have been photographed. and are commensurate with the age and authenticity of this rare renaissance decoration. Towards the back at the top left hand corner there is a corner of the reverse of the tile which is chipped not visible from the front.
The colors are subdued in person, the glaze applied so there is a shaded effect to the high relief details of the tile.
This amazing piece of Renaissance art is of museum quality and would make a perfect acquisition to any rare collection of antique furnishings and objet de virtue.