The Nzulu Sicilian terracotta tile is hand-painted in Southern Italy with ornate floral and geometric decoration in red, blue, green, yellow, black and off-white. De Ferranti records the pattern as Sicilian and Neapolitan in origin, inspired by Oriental designs and 19th century in character. Its dense polychrome scheme reflects the long exchange of motifs that shaped southern Italian ceramic decoration.

Oriental Influence in the Nzulu Sicilian Terracotta Tile

Nzulu combines multiple saturated colours within a disciplined ornamental framework. Dark outlines separate the red, blue, green and yellow forms, while the off-white ground introduces light between the denser areas of pattern. Made and painted by hand, the tile retains small differences in brush line, colour density and registration that enrich a repeated installation.

Within the Italianate collection, Lollo offers another vivid Sicilian and Neapolitan composition, while Sclastica applies red, blue and green geometry with a sponged technique and a stated Oriental influence. Elsewhere at De Ferranti, the Iznik Azure Star Tile explores botanical geometry through an Islamic ceramic tradition, and the Cross-Cultural Tile Study Collection places Italian, Islamic, Portuguese and other decorative languages in a wider material context.

It forms part of the Italianate Handpainted Tiles Collection.

Specifying a Rich Polychrome Surface

Nzulu can be considered for interior floors, walls, kitchens, bathrooms, restaurants and selected exterior areas in warm climates, subject to project-specific guidance. Its broad palette works best when adjacent materials are comparatively restrained or repeat only selected colours. A sample layout will help establish pattern direction, grout width and the distribution of handmade variation. Confirm the intended format, thickness, wet-area use and installation method before ordering.

Project Guidance and Enquiries

For project guidance, availability, pricing, samples or further information, please use the Send E-Mail button below this description. Your enquiry will come directly to De Ferranti, and we will be pleased to discuss suitability, quantities, lead times and options for your project.