Guastavino Company tiles. These from New York State but the fireproof vaults and domes they were made into live in other places too. Started by Spanish immigrant Rafael Guastavino, the firm went on to greatness under his son of the same name. Much work in the subways but also at Ellis Island and the Cathedral church of Saint John the Divine.

Tile. 1920's-1930's.Buffalo City Hall, Buffalo, New York.
Tile. 1920’s-1930’s.Buffalo City Hall, Buffalo, New York. Image © buffaloah.com. Fair use license. via http://www.buffaloah.com/a/niagSq/65/lobby/source/21.html
Ancient coloring and styles of decoration applied to modern uses. Egyptian decoration.
Ancient coloring and styles of decoration applied to modern uses. Egyptian decoration. Plate used in the Decorator and Furnisher, Volume 2, Number 1, pages 16 to 17 which was published in April of 1883. Rafael Guastavino, Sr. maker. Image © Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Columbia University. Fair use license. via https://tilesinnewyork.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-experimental-lustre-tiles-of-rafael.html
Two five inch square tiles made for the Dater residence.
Two five inch square tiles made for the Dater residence. Image © Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Columbia University. Fair use license. via https://tilesinnewyork.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-experimental-lustre-tiles-of-rafael.html
Ancient styles and coloring of styles applied to modern uses. Moorish and Persian decorations.
Ancient styles and coloring of styles applied to modern uses. Moorish and Persian decorations. Plate in The Decorator and Furnisher, Volume 2, Number 5, Page 162 of the August 1883 issue. Rafael Guastavino, Sr. maker. Image © Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Columbia University. Fair use license. via https://tilesinnewyork.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-experimental-lustre-tiles-of-rafael.html

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