Tulip Song, 1910/2022

“Tulip Song” – A Handpainted Decorative Ceramic Tile by Anna Tsetsos
Original 1910 Roof Tile | Vintage Ceramic | Floral Wall Art with Historical Provenance

In Tulip Song, Greek artist Anna Tsetsos breathes new life into a reclaimed ceramic roof tile from 1910, once gracing the rooftop of her grandmother’s beloved home. Through bold color and heartfelt memory, this unique piece captures the timeless beauty of tulips blooming in spirited unison.

A vivid arrangement of orange and red tulips springs forth from a rustic green vase, painted in expressive strokes that celebrate movement, growth, and joy. The flowers’ energy dances against the matte black background of the century-old tile, their vibrant petals evoking the warmth of Mediterranean sunlight.

The tile’s form, weathered and curved from a lifetime of sheltering a family home, offers not just texture but history—each mark and imperfection preserved as a testament to time passed and love remembered.

“These tulips remind me of the ones my grandmother used to arrange on Sundays, always in the same chipped green vase,” Tsetsos shares. “I wanted to keep that tradition alive in color.”

Details:

• Medium: Antique ceramic roof tile (c. 1910)
• Technique: Hand-painted with acrylic and enamel
• Dimensions: The tile is 40.5 cm in length, 18.5 cm wide at the bottom tapering to 14.5 cm at the top and 6 cm deep. There is a strong cord tied from the holes from which the tile can hang (see photos). It weighs 1.522 kg.
• Display: Wall-mounted
• Finish: Matte surface with gloss accents
• Origin: Reclaimed from the artist’s ancestral home in rural Greece

Tulip Song is a soulful fusion of heirloom and artistry—an ode to enduring beauty, blooming anew on a foundation of family legacy.

Anna Tsetsos – Artist Bio

Anna Tsetsos is a contemporary Greek ceramic artist whose work bridges ancestral tradition with modern emotional expression. Born into a family of artisans in the northern Greece, Anna’s creative journey began at the intersection of folk craft and fine art. Her hand-thrown and handpainted ceramic pieces are infused with memory, symbolism, and the tactile rhythms of Mediterranean life.

Guided by a reverence for storytelling, Anna’s work draws from Byzantine iconography, mosaic forms, and floral motifs found in ancient Greek textile patterns. Each piece is a meditation on color, form, and emotion—crafted not just to be seen, but to be felt. She describes her process as “painting with instinct, sculpting with memory.”

Anna’s studio practice honors slow craftsmanship. Every plate, vessel, or tile is one-of-a-kind, made using natural materials and sustainable techniques. Her work has been featured in boutique galleries across Europe and has found a home in private collections that value authenticity, history, and soul.

Through her art, Anna invites viewers to reconnect with the sacred beauty of the everyday—transforming utilitarian objects into timeless expressions of joy, heritage, and presence.