Moorish Mosaic Workshop

Known as Moorish Mosaic, Moroccan Tilework, or Zellij (Zellige/Zillij), this signature Moroccan art form has been preserved across generations by master artisans since the 10th century. Its endurance is rooted in a dedication to craft, noble materials, and a complete mastery of traditional techniques.

Creating Zellij requires a meticulous, multi-stage process before the final design comes together:

• Preparation & Drying: Artisans knead the clay paste using their hands and feet to achieve the right consistency. The clay is formed into blocks, flattened with a wooden bat, cut into $10 \times 10\text{ cm}$ tiles, and left in the sun to dry completely before undergoing its initial firing.
• Glazing: The fired tiles are submerged in a liquid color mixture composed of water, sand, lead, and natural metal oxides to achieve the desired hues.
• Secondary Firing: The glazed tiles are arranged strategically inside the kiln based on heat sensitivity—white tiles are placed near the bottom where heat is highest, while delicate green tiles are placed near the top.
• Shaping & Assembly: Artisans trace intricate shapes onto the fired tiles using stencils before cutting them by hand. Finally, the individual pieces are sorted by shape and color and assembled into elaborate geometric patterns.

An iconic feature of Arab-Andalusian architecture, Zellij continues to adorn walls and floors, blending seamlessly into modern interior design while maintaining its authentic, handcrafted roots.

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