"VIRGINIA, DECEMBER 25, 1926": SPLENDID UNIQUE CERAMIC TILE WITH ORIGINAL DESIGN BY VANESSA BELL, PRESENTED TO HER SISTER, VIRGINIA WOOLF, AS A CHRISTMAS GIFT

(WOOLF, Virginia) BELL, Vanessa. Ceramic Tile. n. p., 1926. Earthenware ceramic tile, 6 by 6 inches, mounted and framed; entire piece measures 11 1/4 by 11 1/4 inches. $38,000.

Extraordinary tinglazed painted earthenware tile, created and executed in enamels by Vanessa Bell, given by her to her sister, Virginia Woolf as a Christmas gift.

This unique artifact epitomizes the bond between two extraordinary sisters, artist and author. Virginia Woolf was still polishing To the Lighthouse in December of 1926 when Vanessa Bell gifted this personalized handmade multi-colored tile to her. The lettering is a rich blue, the decoration in green, purple, brown and black. The tile was auctioned in 2002 as part of the estate of Louie Mayer, the woman who had been the Woolf's cook at Monk's House in Lewes for 34 years. It has been in private hands since then.

Just a few small chips to edges of tile. Colors vivid. A unique piece, beautifully framed.