White Moroccan Zellige Tile

Our weathered white is to white glazed terracotta tiles what opals are to white gemstones.

White moroccan zellige tile.

Cle s weathered white zellige is a glazed moroccan terracotta made up of 50 shades of white including grays creams pinks celadons and even blues. It s a prized but dying art. We also carry a wide range of moroccan zellige colors in 4 4 2 6 2 2 and 3 5 inch hexagon shapes. Otherwise known as zillij or zellij is the arabic word for tile dating back to the 10th century when this tile making craft began.

Our tiles are composed of unrefined clay which is hand kneaded with a bit of water shaped carefully dried and finally kiln fired to set each tiles unique appearance. Master craftsmen are called maâlems but even as it s having a resurgence in interiors it. The art of making zellige is passed from generation to generation in morocco. Moroccan zellige tiles provide our artisans with a unique opportunity to use a time tested and challenging medium to create their art.

Our cement tiles and zellige are handmade and manufactured by artisans with generations of experience with authentic raw materials to produce tiles with lasting quality and beauty. Variation in cement tile and zellige is the point. These hand chiseled moroccan tiles acquire their coloring from the historic clay body that is a rich terracotta inherently forcing it s hue through the glazes. Moroccan zellige tiles sourced from marseille in la vie en rose.

A 12th century poet s villa in st paul de vence restored for modern living photograph by helen cathcart. Also check out installation guide and resources for this exotic classic.