California Faience Mission Church Tea Tile

California Faience, Berkeley, CA 1915-1950 Charming cuerda seca tea tile depicting a picturesque Mission church decorated in the creamy, rich glazes that are characteristic of this important Golden Era maker. The golden-yellow and vivid turquoise glazes are stunning. In addition to the incised "California Faience" mark the reverse of this tile is stamped with "S. A. Bruner Tile Co.", "Christmas 192(?)" and a partial word that may be "Compliments". Our research has uncovered little about this company, An "S. A. Bruner" is listed in a 1950 contractor directory as being the President of the Bruner Marble & Tile Company listed at 1012 Architects Bldg. in Los Angeles. It is possible that Bruner Tile supplied California Faience tile and distributed these tea tiles as promotional holiday gifts. We have only seen this stamped mark once or twice before, making this already desirable tile a rare find. 5 1/4" round Excellent condition