Friday, May 7, 2010

Portugal does it best.......

J E Berger Foundation photo

Portuguese tile....what better source to document the tug of Moorish influence and the seduction of all things Italian....

J E Berger Foundation photo
Lisbon documents the unique blend of tile and architecture....


J E Berger Foundation photo
Smooth, thick blue and white scenic tiles set into arched walkways....




Telling stories through paint and glaze...

J E Berger Foundation photo
Portugal's ornamentation through tile was influenced equally by Africa and Italy.

J E Berger Foundation photo
Portugal used tile as architectural ornamentation in exterior and interior applications.

These tin-glazed ceramic azulejos have been produced uninterrupted for five centuries....


Potters from Flanders, Spain and Italy came to Portugal in the 16th c and brought with them the maiolica technique of painting directly onto tile.

The capital city Lisbon became a maritime center attracting influences from Venice, Spain, Italy,Asia and Africa.


Check out this link for even more fabulous tile work!!!


Those influences were documented through the azulejos, or tiles, applied to walls and ceilings throughout Portugal.


I love the morphing of delft, Islamic and Spanish techniques unique to portuguese tiles...

The Portuguese word azulejo comes from the Arabic "al zulaycha" meaning polished stone.


Houses and Gardens of Portugal by Patrick Bowe is a wonderful source for photos from the height of production in the 17th century.

The Spanish influence was seen early in the 16th c using a variety of colors but was simplified to the blue and white designs that are synonymous with Portugal in the 17th c.

Houses and Gardens of Portugal photo

Wealthy merchants wanted elaborate homes and gardens and the tile workshops were eager to oblige.


Houses and Gardens of Portugal photo
Their combination of sculpture, tile and architecture is unique to Portugal.
Houses and Gardens of Portugal photo

The mild climate allowed elaborate gardens to be built.
Houses and Gardens of Portugal photo
Public walkways and city buildings were covered in azulejos.



 This panel is a nod to the wine making industry in Portugal with its beginnings dating back to the Roman Empire.
National Tile Museum of Lisbon photo
The National Tile Museum of Lisbon documents the history of azulejos from the 16th to 18th c.



Portugal....where else is there such a perfect marriage of gilded ornamentation, faux marble and elaborate tile murals? Perfection..!







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13 comments:

  1. Cashon&CoMay 7, 2010 at 8:07 AM

    this is truly one of the most striking and awe-inspiring things i have ever seen. that long hallway with the groin arches and the blue tiles along the side. wow. just amazing. thanks for sharing

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  2. La DolfinaMay 7, 2010 at 8:53 AM

    That was an incredible post! I learned so much and have never seen so much portuguese tile in one place!
    Absolutely beautiful.

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  3. Ms. Bake-itMay 7, 2010 at 10:28 AM

    Gorgeous! Just absolutely gorgeous! Thank you for sharing it with us.

    ~ Tracy

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  4. GinaMay 7, 2010 at 12:34 PM

    Theresa, you may singlehandedly started a new interest in hand painted tiles. Loved the photos you have chosen and also liked the short history lesson.

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  5. Theresa CheekMay 7, 2010 at 12:37 PM

    I have always had a strong passion for these tiles...sigh

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  6. Kelle DameMay 7, 2010 at 1:12 PM

    These images made me fall in love with blue and white all over again! Thanks for sharing! Beautiful post!

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  7. UnknownMay 7, 2010 at 2:20 PM

    What a magnificent post! I love the prtuguese architecture with its blue 'azulejos". The two "fake" coloumns are just fabuous. Merci mon amie.

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  8. AnnMay 8, 2010 at 7:06 AM

    I also love the Dutch Delft.
    The Portugese took the art form a step further. It is so exquisite! I hope to visit some day...

    Beautiful post!

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  9. AnonymousMay 9, 2010 at 9:29 AM

    I did not stop after your blue and white post, I just red most of your blog. I will return.
    Consider me a Follower.
    X David

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  10. Sanity FairMay 9, 2010 at 10:25 PM

    These absolutely took my breath away. Incredible!!! I would treasure something like this for my home - more and more, I'm seeing ornate beautiful tile work everywhere. I think it's going to make a come back (beyond the tuscan/cali look).
    -Sanity Fair

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  11. Mélanie A.May 11, 2010 at 4:11 PM

    portuguese tiles / azulejos are gorgeous .

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  12. ceeceeMay 12, 2010 at 12:04 AM

    Hi Theresa!
    What beautiful examples you've shown here. I fell in love with blue and white tiles in Madrid. Was just amazed at how they covered every surface of a room - and a bar at that.
    Nice to visit with you again. Hope you have a wonderful week.
    Catherine

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  13. lotusgreenMay 13, 2010 at 3:03 PM

    i'm amazed at the color-fastness

    ReplyDelete