Portuguese Tiles – Azulejos
Portuguese azulejo tiles are a form of painted, tin-glazed ceramic tilework whose early development in Portugal drew on Hispano-Moresque production from Seville and Toledo. It has become a typical aspect of Portuguese culture, having been produced without interruption for five centuries. There is also a tradition of their production in former Portuguese and Spanish colonies in South America and in the Philippines.
In Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking countries, azulejos are found on the interior and exterior of churches, palaces, ordinary houses, schools, restaurants, bars and even railway stations or subway stations. They constitute a major aspect of Portuguese architecture as they are applied on walls, floors and even ceilings. They were not only used as an ornamental art form, but also had a specific functional capacity like temperature control in homes. Many azulejos chronicle major historical and cultural aspects of Portuguese history.
De Ferranti works closely with the last remaining truly-handmade studio, situated north of Lisbon, where many of the artisans also work in original tile restoration, giving them unparalleled mastery of a centuries old tradition.
The word azulejo derives from an Arabic term associated with polished stone or ceramic mosaic, not simply from azul, meaning blue. Early Portuguese tiles were polychrome, geometric and often worked in relief. At the Palácio Nacional de Sintra, sixteenth-century schemes include vines, heraldic devices and armillary spheres.
Corda seca and aresta separate coloured glazes differently. Corda seca uses a greasy, glaze-repelling line across a flat surface. Aresta, also called cuenca, uses moulded clay ridges, with glaze settling into recessed cells.
The Pátio de Diana Vine Azulejo and King Sebastian Grape Leaf Azulejo draw on Sintra's relief traditions, including King Sebastião's bedchamber. At Quinta da Bacalhôa in Azeitão, the Casa do Lago combines aresta tiles, polychrome decoration, water and Renaissance garden design, inspiring the Bacalhôa Geometric Relief Tiles. At the Palácio dos Marqueses de Fronteira, bestiary scenes animate gardens, reflected in the Jardim Tropical Bestiário Tile.
Very few makers preserve the traditional tile body. De Ferranti favours independent artists and restoration specialists rather than factory production. Their knowledge of old bodies, brushwork, relief and patination keeps the work rooted in Portuguese practice. The Museu Nacional do Azulejo remains an essential reference.
For project guidance, availability, pricing, samples or further information, please contact us. Your enquiry will come directly to De Ferranti, and we will be pleased to discuss suitability, quantities, lead times and options for your project.
In Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking countries, azulejos are found on the interior and exterior of churches, palaces, ordinary houses, schools, restaurants, bars and even railway stations or subway stations. They constitute a major aspect of Portuguese architecture as they are applied on walls, floors and even ceilings. They were not only used as an ornamental art form, but also had a specific functional capacity like temperature control in homes. Many azulejos chronicle major historical and cultural aspects of Portuguese history.
De Ferranti works closely with the last remaining truly-handmade studio, situated north of Lisbon, where many of the artisans also work in original tile restoration, giving them unparalleled mastery of a centuries old tradition.
Portuguese Azulejo Tiles: History and Craft
The word azulejo derives from an Arabic term associated with polished stone or ceramic mosaic, not simply from azul, meaning blue. Early Portuguese tiles were polychrome, geometric and often worked in relief. At the Palácio Nacional de Sintra, sixteenth-century schemes include vines, heraldic devices and armillary spheres.
Corda seca and aresta separate coloured glazes differently. Corda seca uses a greasy, glaze-repelling line across a flat surface. Aresta, also called cuenca, uses moulded clay ridges, with glaze settling into recessed cells.
The Pátio de Diana Vine Azulejo and King Sebastian Grape Leaf Azulejo draw on Sintra's relief traditions, including King Sebastião's bedchamber. At Quinta da Bacalhôa in Azeitão, the Casa do Lago combines aresta tiles, polychrome decoration, water and Renaissance garden design, inspiring the Bacalhôa Geometric Relief Tiles. At the Palácio dos Marqueses de Fronteira, bestiary scenes animate gardens, reflected in the Jardim Tropical Bestiário Tile.
Very few makers preserve the traditional tile body. De Ferranti favours independent artists and restoration specialists rather than factory production. Their knowledge of old bodies, brushwork, relief and patination keeps the work rooted in Portuguese practice. The Museu Nacional do Azulejo remains an essential reference.
Project Guidance and Enquiries
For project guidance, availability, pricing, samples or further information, please contact us. Your enquiry will come directly to De Ferranti, and we will be pleased to discuss suitability, quantities, lead times and options for your project.
By Appointment
DE FERRANTI
South Park Studios - Suite 10
88 Peterborough Road, London SW6 3HH
United Kingdom
DE FERRANTI
South Park Studios - Suite 10
88 Peterborough Road, London SW6 3HH
United Kingdom