At Motawi Tileworks, we’ve always admired artists who merge design, craftsmanship, and storytelling. Few have done this as masterfully as Dard Hunter, a key figure in the American Arts and Crafts movement. His intricate patterns, inspired by nature and traditional craftsmanship, have found a new home in our handcrafted tiles—bringing his paper-based designs to life in richly glazed ceramic.
Who Was Dard Hunter?
Dard Hunter (1883–1966) was a designer, typographer, and papermaker whose work helped shape the Arts and Crafts aesthetic in America. Deeply influenced by William Morris and the British Arts and Crafts movement, Hunter brought a distinct American sensibility to his designs. His early work at the Roycroft community in East Aurora, New York, set the foundation for his lifelong dedication to handcrafted beauty.
Hunter’s designs often featured stylized floral motifs, geometric patterns, and nature-inspired compositions, all crafted with meticulous attention to balance and harmony. These elements make his work a perfect fit for adaptation into tile—a medium where artistry and craftsmanship naturally come together.
Honoring Dard Hunter’s Legacy in Tile
At Motawi, we’ve translated Hunter’s iconic designs into handcrafted ceramic tiles that reflect his bold, structured aesthetic while adding the depth and dimension of our raised-line technique. Today, we offer six tiles inspired by his work, each one thoughtfully crafted to capture the spirit of Hunter’s original designs.
Checkerpot Rose
Checkerpot Rose Tile is a perfect example of Hunter’s mastery of symmetry and floral elegance. This 4x8-inch tile features a stylized rose nestled within a bold checkerboard pattern. The warm stone glaze highlights the contrast between the structured geometric framework and the organic curves of the rose, making it a striking addition to any Arts & Crafts-inspired space.
Bell Flower
Bell Flower Tile captures the delicate beauty of Hunter’s floral motifs. The soft, symmetrical petals give this 4x8-inch tile a timeless charm, while the stone glaze adds depth and richness. Whether framed as an art piece or installed in a backsplash, this design exemplifies the refined simplicity of the Arts & Crafts tradition.
Dard Hunter Poppy
The Dard Hunter Poppy Tile is a tribute to one of Hunter’s most beloved floral motifs. Featuring flowing, organic lines and a bold poppy bloom, this 4x8-inch tile embodies the essence of handcrafted elegance. It’s also available as part of the Dard Hunter Trio, a framed set that brings together three of Hunter’s most striking designs in one beautifully curated piece.
Dard Hunter Christmas Tree (Red & Peppermint)
Our Dard Hunter Christmas Tree Tile in Red and Peppermint offer a festive take on Hunter’s stylized nature motifs. Measuring 4x4 inches, these tiles showcase his iconic geometric tree design, brought to life in vibrant, holiday-ready glazes. Perfect for seasonal décor, these tiles also make thoughtful gifts for Arts and Crafts enthusiasts.
Dard Hunter Tree (Red)
The Dard Hunter Tree Tile is a striking 4x8-inch tile that distills the essence of Hunter’s nature-inspired compositions into a bold, linear tree design. The deep red glaze accentuates the tile’s crisp, sculptural relief, making it a stunning focal point whether framed or incorporated into a larger tile installation.
A Personal Connection to the Hunter Legacy
Motawi’s relationship with Dard Hunter’s legacy is more than just artistic inspiration—it’s personal. Over 24 years ago, Nawal Motawi met Dard Hunter III, Dard Hunter’s grandson, at the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms during the National Arts and Crafts Conference. This introduction sparked a relationship with Dard Hunter Studios that continues today, allowing us to faithfully interpret and celebrate his designs in tile.
"Dard Hunter’s designs were a perfect fit for our ceramic tile work because they are bold, structured, and deeply rooted in the Arts and Crafts tradition," says Nawal Motawi. "His stylized floral motifs and geometric compositions translate beautifully into tile, allowing us to honor his legacy while adding new depth and texture."
Continuing the Arts & Crafts Tradition
Dard Hunter believed in the power of craftsmanship, rejecting mass production in favor of thoughtfully made, high-quality work. That philosophy aligns perfectly with what we do at Motawi Tileworks. Every tile is pressed, glazed, and fired by hand, just as Hunter meticulously crafted his paper and prints.
By bringing his designs into tile, we’re continuing the tradition of handmade excellence that he championed. Whether installed in a fireplace surround, framed as art, or incorporated into architectural details, these tiles carry forward a legacy of beauty, craftsmanship, and timeless design.
Explore the Dard Hunter Collection
Want to see more? Browse our Dard Hunter collection and bring a piece of Arts and Crafts history into your space.