Post-medieval terracotta Transylvanian stove tile - Cahla These tiles were used to build large, ornate ceramic stoves that heated homes, monasteries, and noble residences from the 14th through the 19th centuries. ​ ​The relief on this tile features several distinct folk and religious motifs: ​The Central Vase/Flowerpot: The central figure looks like a stylized vase or "Life-Giving Spring" (an izvor). In Romanian folk art, this often represents the "Tree of Life" or prosperity. ​Floral Motifs (Tulips and Lilies): You can see large, stylized flowers blooming from the central stem. The tulip was a very popular motif in Transylvanian and Moldavian tiles starting in the 17th century, influenced by Ottoman and Western Baroque styles. ​The Sun/Star: At the very top, there is a prominent sunburst or multi-petaled flower, which was a common protective symbol in rural households. ​Border: The "toothed" or saw-tooth border is a classic characteristic of tiles from the 17th to 18th centuries. The Back of the Tile (The "Cupa") ​The last image is particularly interesting for historians: ​Soot and Carbon: The dark, blackened interior shows that this tile sat directly against the heat source for decades (or centuries). ​Structure: These tiles weren't flat; they were box-like. The "box" (the cupa) on the back helped create an air pocket that held and radiated heat long after the fire in the stove went out.