The Blue Bower (by Dante Gabriel Rossetti) Ceramic Tile

This design features a painting by the founder of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828–1882). The painting is a half-length portrait of a beautiful woman set against a lush, vibrant backdrop. The artwork emphasizes themes of beauty, sensuality and nature. The central figure in the painting is a woman with an alluring and enigmatic presence. She is depicted seated, holding a musical instrument called a Japanese koto, which she appears to be playing. Her pose is relaxed yet elegant, with her gaze slightly averted from the viewer, adding a sense of mystery to her expression. Her auburn hair, meticulously painted in Rossetti's signature style, cascades over her shoulders, contrasting with the blue tones that dominate the composition. The title, "The Blue Bower," refers to the rich, blue floral background that surrounds the figure. This backdrop is filled with lush, blooming flowers, particularly convolvulus (morning glories), which are painted in varying shades of blue. The intricate details of the flowers and foliage create a sense of depth and enclosure, suggesting that the woman is in a secluded, almost dreamlike garden. The intense blue hues contribute to the painting's overall mood of tranquillity and introspection. The woman's clothing and accessories further enhance the opulent atmosphere of the painting. She is adorned in a richly textured, deep blue gown that harmonises with the surrounding flowers, and her hair is decorated with jewels and a blue ribbon. The attention to detail in the fabric and jewellery showcases Rossetti's fascination with the material world and his ability to render textures and colours with precision. The original artwork was painted by Dante Gabriel Rossetti in 1865.