Learn Zellige

Today, as the famous little glazed terracotta square continues its journey, Zellige has adapted to modern interiors, imparting its luminosity on every wall or floor. 

The traditions used to acquire the irreplaceable colouring from a rich terracotta have not varied since they appeared in the Moresque architecture a millennium ago. Fez and Meknes in Morocco are still the production centres for zellige tiles due to the Miocene grey clay, primarily composed of Kaolinite present in that region only. 

Zellige making is considered an art in itself and transmitted from generation to generation by maâlems (master craftsmen).

Unique

The subtle interplay of various colours is created by the different shapes and shades from one square to the other. Each piece is never quite the same, nor entirely different from its neighbour. The singularity of each of these items is best expressed in its simplest version, where there is nothing to distract from the subtle interplay of variations of colour. The Zellige is the delicate reminder that differences make us richer.

Handmade

The unrefined clay is kneaded with water and hand filtered for impurities, then moulded one by one before drying begins, side by side in the unrelenting African sun. The tiles are now flattened and meticulously shaped before drying further. The raw tiles are now ready to be individually dipped in glaze and stacked in our kiln for the first firing, which creates the ‘Bejmat’. The uneven heat creates the trademark colour variations, which, when installed turns an ordinary tiled wall into a masterpiece. Finally, a second firing sets the enamel on these glistening beauties.

Handmade

The unrefined clay is kneaded with water and hand filtered for impurities, then moulded one by one before drying begins, side by side in the unrelenting African sun. The tiles are now flattened and meticulously shaped before drying further. The raw tiles are now ready to be individually dipped in glaze and stacked in our kiln for the first firing, which creates the ‘Bejmat’. The uneven heat creates the trademark colour variations, which, when installed turns an ordinary tiled wall into a masterpiece. Finally, a second firing sets the enamel on these glistening beauties.

Versatile & Durable

Our individualised process means no two tiles are perfectly alike; herein lies the beauty, the subtle variations set our Zellige tiles apart from mass-produced ceramic tiles and knock-off zellige tiles. Zellige tile is incredibly versatile and maintenance-free, from show stopping walls to interesting backsplashes and flooring; this product is perfect for wet environments like bathrooms, showers, swimming pools and kitchen wash up areas.

Our Zellige Collection

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