Zellige Tiles Handmade - Authentic Moroccan Craftsmanship

What do you know about Zllige Tiles ?

Zellige tiles handmade are one of Morocco’s most iconic architectural elements, crafted with precision and tradition. This timeless art form has been passed down through generations, combining beauty, cultural heritage, and expert craftsmanship. Zellige tiles is an ancient art form of mosaic tiles, crafted from hand-chiseled geometric ceramic pieces, carefully assembled into intricate plaster panels. This traditional Islamic art originated in Andalusia and the Maghreb region, becoming one of the most distinctive features of Moroccan architecture. Each piece is meticulously shaped and arranged to create stunning geometric patterns, adorning walls, ceilings, floors, windows, pools, and even tabletops. Made using time-honored techniques passed down through generations, Zellige tiles embody craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and timeless beauty, making them a sought-after choice for luxurious and artistic interior designs. Zellige tile art originated in the Moroccan city of Fez and developed in the Maghreb and Andalusia during the Middle Ages, particularly since the 11th century. It flourished during the rule of the Nasrids and the Marinids when Morocco and Spain were one state. The colors blue, green, and yellow were initially used, with red being introduced in the 17th century. Fez remains the heart of Zellige tiles production, and the art later spread to cities such as Meknes and Tlemcen.

The Timeless Craft of Zellige Tiles The widespread appeal of Zellige tiles across different cultures lies in the artisans’ ability to adapt this ancient craft to modern times while preserving its authenticity — both in technique and design. Thanks to its unique character, Zellige continues to captivate plastic artists, architects, and heritage enthusiasts from around the world. Despite the high cost of production, this traditional industry has experienced a notable revival in the 21st century. The Process: From Fez Clay to Handcrafted Masterpieces At the heart of Zellige tile-making is the natural clay of Fez, known for its fine quality and workability. The clay is first extracted in large blocks and soaked in water tanks, locally known as “zouba,” for 24 hours. It is then kneaded thoroughly by hand and foot, creating a smooth, pliable texture. Artisans then cut the clay into squares — traditionally 10x10 cm — and leave them to dry naturally in the sun, depending on the weather. Once dry, the tiles undergo their first firing in a traditional kiln. After cooling, the surface of each tile is dipped into a carefully prepared glaze made of lead, sand, and natural oxides. These oxides are what give Zellige its iconic colors: white, black, blue, green, yellow, brown, and more. The Art of Glazing and Firing The glazed tiles are then placed back in the kiln for a second firing at a temperature of around 800°C. The kiln is structured in a way that stronger colors like white go at the bottom where heat is highest, and delicate colors like green are placed near the top. Sometimes, tiles of a single color are fired together to avoid inconsistency in the final result. After firing, the tiles are sorted and classified by color. This meticulous attention to detail and traditional firing methods are what give Zellige tiles their depth, richness, and unique handmade charm.

Enhance Your Space with the Timeless Beauty of Zellige Tiles

Zellige tiles offer a unique way to add character and elegance to any space. Their handcrafted nature and rich textures make them a perfect choice for various applications in your home or business.