4x8 Sumac
Description
The work of Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) is recognized worldwide as pivotal to the development of modern architecture. Through a deep understanding of our relationship with the natural world, Wright’s ideas and designs were inspired by organic forms. His vision, “to make life more beautiful, the world a better one for living in, and to give rhyme, reason, and meaning to life” is carried on through the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and represented on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Motawi Tileworks’ 4x8 Sumac tile is based on the abstract sumac motif used throughout the Wright-designed Dana-Thomas House. The House was built for Susan Lawrence Dana, a social activist and socialite, in 1902. Because of the unlimited budget of the patron, Frank Lloyd Wright created some of his finest and most detailed art glass compositions for the elaborate home in Springfield, Illinois. Many are geometric abstractions of natural elements with the midwestern sumac plant as the primary motif. The natural form has been interpreted, reduced to its basic geometry, and used in a variety of ways on more than two hundred windows, doors, skylight panels, and light fixtures throughout the home. The rich amber and brown palette mirrors the autumnal color scheme of the prairie.
®/©/™ Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. All rights reserved.
Approximate Tile Size: 3 7/8" x 7 7/8"
Easel Info
Easels are an elegant option for art tile display. Fabricated from powder-coated steel, our easels are locally made and feature durable single-piece construction.
- Medium easel: holds any unframed tile larger than 3 inches (recommended for most of our tiles if unframed).
- Large easel: holds any framed tile or any unframed tile larger than 4 inches.
- Small easel: holds 3 and 4-inch tiles (unframed).
Frame Info
Our quarter-sawn oak frames, handmade by Dard Hunter Studios, are available with a natural Oak or Ebony finish. They can hang horizontally or vertically, or perch on our large easels. Frame features include mitered corners and stapled joints.
- Frame width is 2".
- Any framed tile can pair with our large easel.
- Note: Frame woodgrain and stain opacity varies.
Have questions? Here’s what most customers ask before choosing a tile.
Yes. Each tile is handcrafted in our Ann Arbor, Michigan studio using traditional techniques and carefully applied glazes.
Yes. These tiles are a popular choice for housewarming, weddings, birthdays, and special occasions because they’re meaningful, long-lasting, and easy to display.
Tiles can be displayed with a frame, easel, or wall mounting, depending on your space. You can also add display accessories directly from this page.
Each tile is made by hand, so there may be slight variations in glaze and color. These small differences make every piece unique.
Most orders ship within a few business days, and you’ll receive tracking once your order is on its way.
If something isn’t quite right, we accept returns on eligible items within a set period. You can review full details for both below:
Yes. These tiles can be used as decorative accents in installations like kitchens, fireplaces, and walls, or displayed as standalone art pieces.