How about... a bit of history?

Ceramic tiles are not only a practical element of interior design, but also an expression of art and tradition, dating back to distant epochs. From exotic Zellige tiles in Moroccan palaces to modern decorative patterns in contemporary homes, ceramic tiles have always fascinated people with their variety and aesthetics. In this article, we will explore the history of ceramic tiles and the variety of designs and applications that make them an indispensable element in architecture and interior decoration. Let's discover together the beauty and functionality that these small but extremely important elements of architecture bring.

Ceramic tiles have been used for centuries as a popular material for decoration and finishing of various surfaces, especially in architecture and interior design. Here are a few historical types of ceramic tiles that, despite the passage of time, still take your breath away from many architecture lovers.

Azulejos are tiles originating from Portugal and Spain, which have a rich history dating back to the times of the Moors. They introduced this technique to the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th century. These tiles are characterized by both geometric patterns and plant and animal motifs or even full scenes from everyday life or historical events. They were used to decorate walls and floors in palaces, churches, monasteries and other public buildings.

    Talavera - this variety of tiles is known from Mexico, especially from the city of Puebla. It was created as a result of the influence of the Spanish azulejos style on local ceramic traditions. Talavera tiles have vivid colors and are characterized by a variety of patterns, in particular floral motifs. They combine elements of Mexican, Spanish and Arabic culture. The history of Talavera tiles dates back to colonial times, when the technique was introduced to Mexico by Spanish missionaries and craftsmen.

Delft tiles from the Netherlands were popular from the 15th to the 18th century. They come from the city of Delft. They are known for their blue and white motifs inspired by traditional Chinese porcelain, also known as Kraak porcelain. It inspired Dutch craftsmen to create their own versions of ceramic tiles.

Delft tiles were used for interior decoration, especially in rich houses and palaces, as well as on building facades, mainly in the 17th and 18th centuries. Their characteristic blue patterns often depicted scenes from everyday life, plant, animal and geometric motifs. Today, Delft tiles are appreciated as a decorative and collector's item, both in the Netherlands and around the world. Artisans still make these tiles in the traditional way, preserving the authentic charm and cultural heritage.

   The unusual tiles from İzniku are also noteworthy. Their history dates back to the 14th century, when the production of these tiles flourished in the İznik region in Turkey. These tiles gained fame during the reign of the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II and became popular in architecture, especially during the renovation of mosques and palaces. They are recognized as one of the highest quality tiles in the history of ceramics, known for their sophisticated design and craftsmanship. They are famous for the special use of blue on a white background, they depict floral motifs, branches, leaves, flowers and geometric compositions.

      Majolica is a decorative technique that appeared in Italy in the 15th century. Tiles created in this technique are multicolored, often depicting mythological, religious scenes or landscapes. The name "majolica" comes from the city of Mallorca (Mallorca), where the production of ceramics began in the Middle Ages. In a short time it became extremely popular in many regions of Europe.

Safawa tiles are a type of decorative ceramic tiles that come from the period of the Safavid dynasty, which ruled in Persia (now Iran) from 1501 to 1736. The Safavid dynasty was the heyday of art and culture in Iran, and ceramic tiles were one of the important elements of this artistic heritage. They were richly decorated with geometric, floral and abstract patterns, often gilded.

Another type of tiles from Persia are Qajar tiles coming from the period of the Qajar dynasty (18th and 19th centuries). They are characterized by a variety of patterns that combine traditional Persian elements with influences from China, Azerbaijan and other cultures. These tiles are richly decorated with hand-painted motifs of plants, flowers, birds, animals, arabesques and geometric patterns. The colors of Qajar tiles are usually extremely rich, including various shades of blue, turquoise, red, yellow and green.

Also noteworthy are the extremely popular Zellige tiles. It is a type of traditional handmade ceramic tiles that are characteristic of Moroccan architecture and come from the Maghreb region. Each tile is cut and shaped individually, which gives them a unique character. The surface of these tiles is slightly uneven and matt, which gives them a specific charm. Zellige tiles have a long history dating back to the Middle Ages and are considered an important part of Morocco's cultural heritage. Today, they are also exported and valued around the world as a unique decorative and architectural element.

These are just some of the historical types of ceramic tiles. From ancient civilizations to modern productions, ceramic tiles have played a key role as decorative, artistic and functional elements. Their unique design, variety of colors and durability have made them not only a popular element of architecture, but also a valued work of art.
Nowadays, we continue traditions and innovations, inspired by the long history of this craft. It is worth appreciating that ceramic tiles are not only decorative elements, but also an important cultural and artistic heritage that has survived thousands of years and can still inspire us when creating our own works.

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