Zellige tiles, a symbol of Moroccan craftsmanship, have long been admired for their exquisite beauty, intricate designs, and unique manufacturing process. Lunada Bay Tile provides a behind-the-scenes look into one of the oldest tile-making traditions in the world.

HARBOR CITY, Calif., March 24, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Zellige tiles have adorned mosques, palaces, and fountains for centuries. What distinguishes Zellige tiles from other forms of ceramic tile is the artisanal process behind their creation. Each tile is individually hand-pressed and cut, fired in a traditional kiln, and glazed with colors derived from natural materials, creating variations in hue and texture that make every installation unique. The result is a piece of art that stands the test of time, capturing the essence of Morocco's rich cultural heritage.

The Mistral collection from Lunada Bay Tile reinterprets the heritage of Zellige tiles for the modern day. Working with tile makers in Fez, Morocco, Lunada Bay Tile employs time-honored methods that have been perfected and passed down over generations. The individually hand-chiseled tile pieces bridge the past and the present by marrying classic techniques of tile making with modern patterns and colors. Unique to Mistral, imported lead-free glazes are applied to the Zellige tiles to achieve a striking, fresh palette curated for today's distinctive interiors and exteriors.

"As designers and homeowners increasingly seek out unique, bespoke elements for their spaces, Zellige tiles stand as a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional craftsmanship. Every tile tells a story of artistry, dedication, and cultural heritage that has been passed down through centuries," said Jared Becker, Chief Creative Officer.

What many may not realize, however, is the artistry that lies behind every Zellige tile, where age-old techniques meet contemporary aesthetics in a stunning fusion of tradition and innovation.

A Glimpse Into History: The Art of Crafting Zellige Tiles

Originating from the northern part of Africa, Zellige tiles are the product of over a thousand years of expertise, with their cultural history reaching its peak in Fez, Morocco, which remains the hub of Zellige production today. Their rich cultural history can be traced back to the Moorish period, where they were used to adorn palaces, mosques, and fountains. The term "Zellige" (sometimes spelled "zellig") refers to the hand-cut glazed clay tiles, meticulously arranged into intricate mosaic patterns. The word "Zellige" means "smooth, highly polished" in Arabic, referring to the polished stones used in Byzantine tilework.

The creation of Zellige tiles involves several time-intensive steps, all requiring remarkable skill and precision. Artisans begin by molding clay from local earth, which is then formed into individual tiles by hand. Once molded, the tiles are left to dry before being fired at high temperatures in traditional kilns. The process requires perfect timing; too much heat, and the tiles risk cracking; too little, and they remain soft and malleable.

Once the tiles are cooled, they are glazed. The glazes used in Zellige tiles are made from a mix of natural minerals, which are individually dipped by hand. The glazing process not only adds color but also creates a signature depth and sheen that gives the tiles their distinctive appearance, with each glaze applied by skilled artisans to ensure full coverage and unique variations in color.

The final step involves hand-cutting the tiles into their desired shapes, which are then assembled into larger mosaics, often forming breathtaking displays of symmetry and design.

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how these beautiful tiles are made in the traditional way:

1. Preparing the Clay

The process begins with sourcing and preparing the clay. In Fez, the clay used for Zellige tiles is typically local and of high quality. The clay is kneaded and processed to remove impurities, ensuring it has the right texture and consistency for molding.

2. Molding the Tiles

Once the clay is ready, it is pressed into hand molds to form square or rectangular tiles. Artisans press the clay into the molds to form the tiles, which are typically about 1 cm thick. Sometimes, the tiles are slightly irregular in shape, which adds to their traditional charm. The process is done on the ground, and the earth provides texture and variance, emphasizing the hand-made nature of each tile.

3. Drying the Tiles

After the tiles are molded, they are left to dry in the open air. This drying process helps to harden the tiles before firing them. It is important that the tiles dry evenly and thoroughly to avoid cracking during the firing process.

4. Firing the Tiles

Once dried, the tiles are fired in a traditional kiln. The firing process can last for several hours and reaches high temperatures (around 1,000°C). This transforms the raw clay into a hard, durable material and sets the base color of the tiles. After firing, the tiles are removed from the kiln and allowed to cool.

5. Glazing the Tiles

An exquisite feature of Zellige tiles is their glaze. To apply the glaze, artisans hand-dip the tiles in colored glazes. The glaze is typically made from natural minerals and oxides, and can be any number of colors, such as blues, greens, yellows, and whites. After glazing, the tiles are fired again at a lower temperature to fix the glaze in place and ensure its shine.

6. Cutting and Chiseling the Designs

After the tiles have cooled, artisans use hand tools to cut them into intricate geometric shapes, such as Zellige's iconic star patterns, squares, triangles, and hexagons. These shapes are carefully arranged to form complex patterns that make Zellige designs famous for their beauty and symmetry.

Modern Innovation Meets Ancient Tradition

"When designing Mistral, we wanted to create a fusion between the traditional art of Zellige tile with a contemporary interpretation, and craft a more modern aesthetic, created via color and patterns," said Becker.

Mistral offers four patterns that reflect modern sensibilities. Bab, which means "gate or big door" in Arabic, is drawn from a traditional pattern but modernized with a curve at the top. It is also inspired by traditional marble and Byzantine-inspired design. The pattern represents a movement between two opposing pieces mirroring each other. Reverie is an artistic combination of several geometric shapes and incorporates mid-century modern design influences, mixing and matching shapes and playing with geometry. Kilim is a triangle shape representative of the amulet protection motifs seen in Kilim rugs but also inspired by Art Deco influences, and Trapezium is a traditional Zellige pattern with an added sense of play in a mirrored trapezoid pattern.

"Designers are increasingly using Zellige tiles for their tactile quality, variety of colors, and ability to create depth in their designs. Whether arranged in large-scale geometric patterns or used as accents, Zellige tiles bring an air of timeless elegance and artisanal beauty to any environment," said Becker.

To learn more about the Zellige Mistral series from Lunada Bay Tile, please visit our website: www.LunadaBayTile.com.

About Lunada Bay Tile

Lunada Bay Tile creates handcrafted glass, ceramic, and stone tile with an emphasis on artistic simplicity, texture, and color. The name Lunada Bay Tile honors the beautiful Palos Verdes Peninsula of Los Angeles and exhibits the brand's design philosophy – to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern influences while exploring the boundaries of material possibilities. To learn more about Lunada Bay Tile and view the entire product line visit LunadaBayTile.com or call (310) 257-1300.

Media Contact

Jim Stevens, Lunada Bay Tile, 1 3102571300, Jim@LunadaBayTile.com, www.LunadaBayTile.com

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