Tiling---Can You Tell The Difference?

My last post on Granada Tiles left me wondering about the historical significance of tilework. I love how this craft can be so different from one culture to another.   Knowing how it originated and why it is created in such ways helps make better use of tiling in a room by understanding the patterns and shapes and adding other objects that complement the beliefs behind them.

Portuguese/ Azulejo Tile

Azulejos, meaning “small square tile” or “polished stone”, are found everywhere in Portugal and are an important part of the country’s architecture.  Made of tin-glazed ceramic, they decorate many establishments, from ordinary houses to churches and palaces, but also function as temperature control in homes.  They are often replicas of scenes of historical significance, painted directly on the tile by the artist primarily with the famous blue-and-white colours. Paintings of life-size figures have sometimes been used to welcome visitors.  I love the use of azulejos in the restaurant photographed above, as if the tile tells the story of its owners and workers.

Moroccan/ Zellige Tile

The cultural significance of Morocan tiles lie in the teachings of Islamic laws that promote the creation of decors devoid of replicas of living things.  In this sense, abstract patterns and forms are meant to replace representational art, and Moroccan mosaic tile craft is generally comprised of geometric patterns, vibrant in earthy colours.  Zellige ceramic terra cotta tilework has been used to decorate patrons’ palaces for centuries and are therefore associated with power and wealth. They are also found inside religious establishment in an attempt to encourage reflection, tranquility and discipline and assist in one’s quest for faith and spirituality.  Looking at these zelliges makes me want to gut my bathroom and tile it with Moroccan mosaic in an attempt to instill much needed peace and tranquility! I also love the use of brightly-coloured zelliges in rustic, country-style kitchens.