The Paternò Sicilian terracotta tile uses a chocolate-brown ground with off-white geometric decoration inspired by the tiled risers of the Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte in Caltagirone. Hand-painted in Southern Italy, its source patterns are associated with the 17th and 18th centuries, linking the tile directly to one of Sicily’s best-known ceramic settings.

Caltagirone Reference in the Paternò Sicilian Terracotta Tile

The celebrated staircase contains 142 individually decorated risers, each faced with a different majolica composition. Paternò interprets that tradition through a restrained two-colour scheme. Its pale geometry sits against a dark field that can register as chocolate rather than absolute black, allowing the warmth of the clay body to remain present beneath the painted surface.

Within the Italianate collection, Ignazio offers a more colourful historic pattern, while Oliva introduces sponged Neapolitan geometry in several colours. The Geometrics Pattern Study Set explores modular repetition across a wider group of ceramic designs, and the Cross-Cultural Tile Study Collection provides a broader reference for the movement of decorative ideas between Mediterranean, Islamic and European traditions.

Using a Dark Geometric Field

Paternò can form a strongly defined floor, stair-riser sequence or feature wall without relying on a broad polychrome palette. Off-white grout will emphasise each module, while a darker joint can allow the pattern to read more continuously across larger connected surfaces. The tile is recorded at 20 x 20 cm. Intended use, thickness and installation method should be confirmed for floors, walls, bathrooms, kitchens and warm-climate exterior projects.

It forms part of the Italianate Handpainted Tiles Collection.

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