Chinese Ceramic Brick Tile, Based

A gray slab carries one enormous raised character on a slim black stand.

This brick tile is from China, and dates to the 19th century. Chinese brick is traditionally made from local clay that is shaped and fired in a kiln, producing a dense gray or reddish body. A square tablet in matte gray with a single large character raised in low relief across its face. The edges are rough and chipped, the surface is dusty and mottled, and it is held upright by a thin metal mount. It is 11 inches wide, 5 deep and 14 high.

One bold character, said once and with confidence.