Vintage Pilkington England Aztec Calendar Tile, c. 1970s
Viridian Eclection
The Piece
A square ceramic tile with a glossy cream white face carrying a bold black circular design, a graphic interpretation of the Aztec calendar or sun stone motif.
The drawing is densely detailed and architectural, high in contrast, with the central face and concentric symbolic bands of the original stone rendered in flat black on the glaze.
The reverse is molded and unglazed, marked PILKINGTON ENGLAND with additional factory reference marks including 23 and D.
History & Provenance
Pilkington's was one of England's notable ceramic tile manufacturers, with roots reaching back to the late nineteenth century, and is often associated with architectural tilework and decorative ceramics.
This tile belongs to the later, mid to late twentieth century decorative tile tradition rather than to the firm's architectural work, and is dated c. 1970s. The dating rests on the graphic treatment and the character of the glaze and molded reverse.
The imagery references the Aztec Sun Stone, often called an Aztec calendar or a Mayan calendar in the decorative arts. Its circular geometry, central face, and dense symbolic patterning made it a popular motif in twentieth century interiors, particularly through the 1960s and 1970s, when archaeological and ethnographic design references became common in the home.
Product Details
| Item | Decorative ceramic tile |
| Maker | Pilkington |
| Era | c. 1970s |
| Origin | England |
| Materials | Glazed ceramic |
| Color | Cream white ground with black design |
| Design | Aztec calendar or sun stone motif |
| Form | Square |
| Marks | Reverse marked PILKINGTON ENGLAND, with additional factory marks including 23 and D |
| Finish | Glossy front, unglazed molded reverse |
| Dimensions | To be confirmed |
| Condition | Good vintage condition. The front remains visually strong with crisp black and white contrast. Minor surface marks, faint glaze wear, small edge imperfections, and age related discoloration or residue to the reverse. No major cracks are visible in the photographs |
| Use | Shelf styling, wall display, framed tile, tabletop accent, decorative trivet |
Why It Belongs in Your Home
The tile works because it has contrast, texture, and immediate graphic presence. It is small enough to style anywhere and strong enough to anchor a shelf, a bookcase, a console, or a layered vignette.
Use it as a standalone object, frame it as wall art, stand it on a small easel, or lay it flat beneath a candle, a vessel, or a piece of sculpture. On a bookshelf it gives contrast among books and small objects; on a console it layers behind a bowl, a lamp, or a framed work; in a kitchen or bar it can serve as an occasional trivet; on a gallery wall it frames easily among prints and sketches.
The black and cream palette pairs readily with wood, leather, stone, iron, and linen, which is why it settles so easily into a rustic modern room or a study. It brings a collected, traveled feeling without effort.
Every piece is packed with professional-grade materials: multiple foam layers, double-boxing, directional and fragile handling labels. For large furniture we use custom timber crating. We photograph packing before dispatch and can provide images on request.
White-glove delivery is complimentary within 100 miles of Reno, NV. National shipping quotes provided at checkout. All shipments are photographed and documented. Damage claims must be filed with the carrier; we provide all documentation needed to support your claim.
Local pickup is available at Viridian HQ (Reno, NV) with 2–4 days notice. Contact us to arrange. Private viewings also available.
All antique and vintage items are sold as described and all sales are final. Each listing includes detailed condition notes and photographs so you can make a fully informed decision. We encourage buyers to ask questions — about condition, dimensions, finish, provenance — before purchasing.
Antiques are irreplaceable and one-of-a-kind. Carrier handling is outside our control once a piece has left our facility, and major carriers including FedEx do not insure antiques. We do everything within our power to ensure safe transit, but cannot accept liability for carrier damage. If damage occurs in transit, we will provide full documentation to support your carrier claim.
Have a question? — we're happy to provide additional photos, condition detail, or discuss the piece directly.
