Moroccan Tiles

[Redalinho]

Zellige (Arabic: الزليج) (also Zellij) is a terra cotta square covered with enamel in the form of chips set into plaster. It is one of the main characteristics of Moroccan architecture. It consists of geometrical mosaics made ceramic used mainly as an ornament for walls, ceilings, fountains, floors, pools, tables, etc.

History

It is believed that zellige was influenced by the Frumuşeni Mosaics of the Byzantines. It appeared in Morocco in the 10th century using nuances of white and brown colours.

The art remained very limited in use until the Merinid dynasty who gave it more importance around the 14th century. Blue, red, green and yellow colours were introduced in the 17th century. The old enamels with the natural colours were used until the beginning of the 20th century and the colors had probably not evolved much since the period of Merinids. The cities of Fes and Meknes remain the centers of this art.

Forms and trends

The pallet of the colors of the zellige started to grow rich by colors which make it possible to multiply the compositions ad infinitum (see picture above). The most current form of the zellige is the square one whose dimensions are variable. Other forms are also possible in composition: the Octagonal combined with a cabochon, a star, a cross, etc. It is then molded with a thickness of approximately 2 centimeters. There exists in simple squares of 10 per 10 centimeters or with the corners cut to be combined with a coloured cabochon. To pave the grounds Bejmat, a paving stone of 15 per 5 centimeters approximately and 2 centimeters thick, can also be used.

Zellige craftmanship

Zellige making is considered an art in itself. The art is transmitted from generation to generation by maâlems (master craftsmen). A long training starts at childhood in order to master exceptional skills.

Assiduous attention to detail is very important in the process of creating Zellige works. The small shaped (cut according to a precise radius gauge), painted and enamel covered squares are then assembled together in a geometrical structure as in puzzle to form the final single piece. The process has not varied for one millennium though conception and design has started using new technologies such as data processing.

[Redalinho]

Zellige or Zellij (Arabic: الزليج‎) is terra cotta tilework covered with enamel in the form of chips set into plaster. It is one of the main characteristics of the Moroccan architecture. It consists of geometrical mosaics made ceramic used mainly as an ornament for walls, ceilings, fountains, floors, pools, tables, etc.

The pallet of the colors of the zellige started to grow rich by colors which make it possible to multiply the compositions ad infinitum (see picture above). The most current form of the zellige is the square one whose dimensions are variable. Other forms are also possible in composition: the Octagonal combined with a cabochon, a star, a cross, etc. It is then molded with a thickness of approximately 2 centimeters. There exists in simple squares of 10 per 10 centimeters or with the corners cut to be combined with a coloured cabochon. To pave the grounds Bejmat, a paving stone of 15 per 5 centimeters approximately and 2 centimeters thick, can also be used.

Themes often employ Kufic script, as it very nicely fits with the geometry of the mosaic tiles, and patterns often culminate centrally in the Rub El Hizb. The patterns evinced in the mosaics is currently of interest in academic research in mathematics. Considerable research into modelling of these patterns has taken place.

[Redalinho]

Fez

[Redalinho]

Zellij Tilework in Fes

[Redalinho]

A dining room in Menebhi Palace with ornate tilework in Fes

[Redalinho]

the Royal Palace (Fez)

[Redalinho]

Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail (Meknes)

[Redalinho]

A close view of an intricate Moorish mosaic design used in the late 16th century at the Saadien Tombs in Marrakesh

[Redalinho]

Man sitting in a Riad (Marrakech)

[Redalinho]

Marrakech

[Redalinho]

Colorful, geometrically patterned mosaicwork. Marrakech

[Redalinho]

Fez

[Redalinho]

Water Fountain and Mosaic Surround , Fez

[Redalinho]

Muslim Man Relaxing in Bou Inania Medersa , Fez

[Redalinho]

Detail of Symmetrical Design in the Kasba di Hadj Thami el-Glawi

[Redalinho]