The Leonarda red terracotta tile is made and painted by hand in Southern Italy, with shades of white forming ornate decoration over a red background. The ground and tile body are delicately aged, and no two pieces are exactly alike. De Ferranti records the four-tile repeat as Sicilian in origin and 18th century in character.

Leonarda Red Terracotta Tile with White Scrollwork

The red field brings warmth and depth to the pale floral and geometric forms. When four tiles meet, curved ornament and smaller connecting details resolve into a larger symmetrical design. Variations in brushwork, surface tone and ageing should remain visible across the installation, reinforcing the distinction between handmade terracotta and a mechanically printed surface.

Grazia Red provides another Sicilian interpretation of off-white ornament on a warm ground, while Leonarda Saffron and White shifts the same repeat towards orange-yellow. Elsewhere at De Ferranti, Neisha Crosland's Pollen in Orange and Red connects through colour and handmade clay, and Can-Can in Clementine offers a freer botanical pattern for related surfaces.

It forms part of the Italianate Handpainted Tiles Collection.

Setting Out a Red Sicilian Pattern

This aged red and white tile may be considered for interior floors, kitchens, bathrooms, fireplace surrounds, staircases, restaurants and selected warm-climate exterior areas, subject to specification. Pale stone, off-white plaster, dark timber and aged metals can all provide effective surrounding materials. The repeat should be planned as complete four-tile units, particularly around thresholds, corners and cabinetry. Review samples in the intended light to assess red tonal variation, grout colour and the visible terracotta edges. Confirm format, thickness and installation requirements before ordering.

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