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Zellij - The Art of Mosaic

5/1/2017

9 Comments

 
​One of the most striking features of the Moroccan architecture is the Zellij, the creation of intricate mosaic design using hand-cut tiles. Moroccan Zellij is distinguished by an extraordinary color palette and by a complex mathematical geometry. It is realized in glazed clay tiles cut into tiny individual shapes. The whole process is like a combination of abstract art and a jigsaw puzzle. As an art form it requires tremendous memory skills and a finely honed sense of order, but it also needs an artist’s eye.
Picture
Ben Youssef Medersa - Marrakech
​This technique is of considerable antiquity and starts in the 10th Century in North Africa and Andalusia. They came into general use in Spain and the Maghrib in the first half of the 14th century. This distinctive art form reached its peak in Morocco during the rule of the Merinid dynasty of the 14th-15th centuries. Crusading Christians eventually brought an end to this Islamic splendor in Spain, but the artisans retreated to Morocco where they continued their craft.
​The Spaniards still use the same patterns that one finds today in Morocco, but, unlike the Moroccans, they no longer make them by mosaic techniques. Rather, they are printed and baked on large tiles. The Moroccan Zellij maker starts, as his forefathers did, with a square glazed clay tile of rather soft texture. The tiles are about 10 cm square. Lines are drawn on the glazed side and the artisan breaks it into pieces along these lines, using a small hammer-adze. There is a variety of conventional shapes and sizes. They are put together to form geometrical patterns of great complexity.
Picture
Nourddine - Zellij Craftsman in Essaouira
​Each piece in the mosaic has a different name, describing either its shape or its function: pointed stars or seals, cross, palm, almond, short neck, basket, knot, fork, candle… etc.
The colors are limited and simple: blue, green, white, yellow, brown and black. Red is a relatively recent addition to the color spectrum, as are the lighter and darker shades of all the aforementioned colors.
Picture
Picture
​It is impossible to convey the complexity, intricacy and depth of spatial configuration in the art of Zellij. Interestingly, While there has undoubtedly been some modification in design and techniques over centuries, this craft is essentially as it was in the 14th century.
9 Comments
Zak T. link
2/7/2018 11:23:40

2014 is the year when I went to marrakech for holidays, I never went back to uk since then!!

Reply
Graham Reynolds
27/8/2018 20:36:18

We have a bathroom shop.We are thinking of coming in March.
What your full address please, where/what are you near and how do you do your tours?
Many Thanks

Reply
Alan Joseph
6/9/2018 20:36:59

Could you tell me how to book an appointment to buy tile for our home?
Thank you

Reply
David Morgan link
17/1/2022 17:38:32

Whether you are looking for a few free-spirited flooring ideas or some tips for creating an alluring kitchen backsplash, these Moroccan tile ideas will get you inspired.

Reply
Brent Sherman link
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14/11/2022 18:04:15

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Body Massage Idaho link
12/2/2023 04:48:38

Great read thankyou

Reply
Vintage Morocco link
21/5/2024 23:43:13

Very informative blog on the zellige tile

Reply



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    Abdul AISSAOUI

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