Hand Painted Tiles
|
|
|
Related links:
|
In Portugal the use of glazed ceramic tiles for paving purposes date back to the 13 or 14 century. First used by the Muslims, they were brought to Portugal and Spain and rapidly spread in the Iberian Peninsula. During the 15 and beginning of 16 centuries the glazed ceramic tile "azulejo" was adopted by Portuguese Kings, noblemen and by the church . The glazed ceramic tiles "azulejos" were imported from Spain and the motifs and techniques were all Spanish-Muslim. By this time the "azulejo" started to be used also on walls, either in the form big murals or panels. By the middle of the 16 century the Spanish-Muslim technique was gradually substituted by a new painting technique known as Majolica, allowing the motifs to be painted directly over the tile without the risk of mixing colors during firing. Influenced by the Italian and specially the Flemish/Dutch ceramists, it was the beginning of Portuguese "azulejos" production. Since then "azulejos" are used in public and private places, both inside and outside. They can be found everywhere from churches, palaces, hospitals, railway and underground stations, public or private houses, etc. We can find them in various applications, ranging from small single tiles to bigger and more complex panels and murals. This is, no doubt about it, one of the best ways to ally nowadays modernity with older traditions.
|
Copyright © 2004 Gato Azul TilesWebmaster: CCarvalho
|
Our contacts: