WHAT IS ZELLIGE?

Zellige means in Arabic the “Tile Work”. The tiles usually come from the area of Fez, Morocco, where natural clay is mixed with water, hand shaped, dried and then kiln-fired. Enamel glazing is applied to the front side and they are fired a second time. The irregular circulation of heat results in slightly varying colours. Thus every Zellige tile is unique with little imperfections in shape and colour revealing the story of their making. Specialized craftsmen then carefully cut these tiles into different shapes which are then laid out to form colourful geometric patterns. For centuries Zellige mosaics have adorned palaces, homes and gardens throughout the Mediterranean and Arab world. Today architects and interior designers are rediscovering the rich heritage of patterns and the individual, handcrafted look for their projects.