Pure White 2x2

Zellige tiles or zellij is an ancestral north African art. The tradition has been treasured from one generation to another and today only very skilled craftsmen can achieve these complex geometric mosaics works. Ideal for wall and floor coverings, but also for fireplaces, fountains or even swimming pools, Moroccan tile has inspired many architects and designers to create custom original works.

Zellige has been made in Morocco for over a 1000 years. Finding the highest quality clay is extremely important to produce the finest Zellige tile. The region of Fez has one of the best quality clays in Morocco.
 

The clay is soaked in water until it reaches a soft texture. Once the clay is soft enough to handle it is filtered by hand.

After filtering, a skilled craftsmen flattens the clay by hand into squares. This part is very important because the clay must be compact with no air bubbles in it.

Raw Zellige clay tiles are then allowed to dry outdoors, like adobe. Most tile production takes place in the summer, early fall and spring.

After the clay is shaped, molded and flattened, it is kept and stored in a cool dry place to be readied for a first bake.
 

After the uncured Zellige tiles are dried another skilled craftsmen applies the colors to the top of the tile. Be aware that today in Morocco many tile factories use paint guns to apply colors. Using spray guns provides the same looking tiles and many more colors are available with a lower cost. The reason we don't buy spray painted tiles it is to ensure that the paint coating is thick and resistant.

The Zellige tiles are now placed in natural, wood fired kilns. In traditional moroccan Zellige kilns heat circulates unevenly, resulting in slightly different tones and colors for each tile. This imperfection makes Moroccan tiles so unique and beautiful.

The end product is a 4"x4" tile with uneven edges.
Note: All our tiles are 100% hand made. Our factory uses the same techniques as our ancestors to ensure quality and authenticity.
 

Zellige making is considered an art in and of itself. This art is transmitted from generation to generation by master craftsmen. There are three craftsmen needed for Zellige. The first selects the tiles and then draws the shape desired and passes the tile to the next craftsmen.

The most important part of this entire process is the third craftsmen, also called the master craftsmen. He specializes in cutting the excess clay and performs precision cutting. The end results are an incredible variety of shaped pieces that are assembled to create intricate Zellige patterns. The possibilities are unlimited!