(60) THE TILE (AZULEJO) IN PORTUGAL
(Azulejo - from the arabian al Zulaicj, that later became aljulej - small flat and polished stone).
The use of ceramic tiles in Portuguese architecture dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, after the moorish presence and influence on the Iberian Peninsula.
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An important characteristic of the repetition patterns is the way in which the compositions are organized, always showing (with more or less subtlety) diagonals opposing to vertical and horizontal lines, main elements in architecture.
Rafael Salinas Calado, 5 Séculos do Azulejo em Portugal - 5 Centuries of the Tile in Portugal, 1985.
The tile is essencially an element that brightens the surface, reflecting light, heat and sound. [...]
It cannot - mostly - be appreciated peace by peace, because it is conceived to be seen as a whole definitely integrated in the architecture [...].
(idem, ibidem).
NOTE: Visit the National Tile Museum, Museu Nacional do Azulejo web site.
[Portuguese post on Mar 1st, 2008]
Category: THE HERITAGE
Dec. 2008: Images down to 20% of ORIGINAL SIZE (click to see). Comments closed.
Tags: Image Azulejo Aljulej Ceramic Tile Façade Detail Composition Repetition Pattern Heritage Architecture Sintra Portugal
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