As the world is busy, busy, busy - time slows down when entering a factory in Fes, Morocco. To witness the tradition of fabricating hand cut Zellige, one feels the precision in the air and the historic reverence of the craft. The smell is distinct of earth, clay and smoke, the clay dust is underfoot, the kilns looming large, roar with an intensity of flame, that jets out underneath a dance of fire, wood shavings and finely ground olive pits. The abundant Miocene hard, gray clay deposits in Fes have been a gift to this craft, centuries old, dating back to the 10th century. Zellige tile making is a tradition that is revered and a process that requires many skilled hands. Importing directly from Fes, Morocco, Zellige Tiles require relationships made of trust and time. Cultural differences need to be respected. François understands these nuances and has established the bond necessary to bring Historic Decorative Materials our own hand cut authentic Moroccan Zellige Tile. As a direct importer of Zellige, quality control is of the upmost importance. Only highly skilled artisans hand craft our Zellige using the famous Moroccan Miocene gray clay following classical traditions from centuries ago, all fabricated in Fes, Morocco. To learn more about fabricating Zellige and how this centuries old hand made terra cotta tile marries flawlessly with Western European and American Interior Design, read my blog: L'Art de Fez Authentic Hand Cut Moroccan Zellige Tile
* All images are taken by us from our stock at the Pavé Tile, Wood & Stone, Inc. Showroom/warehouse in West Hatfield, MA.
Western European and American interior design embrace Zellige when mixed with reclaimed materials like French oak flooring. They both have historic authenticity yet create an unrivaled tension of contrast which = beauty. Here our Soft Powder White Zellige Tile contrasts it's reflective properties against reclaimed French limestone creating an ethereal and historic ambiance.
As direct importers, we have stocked the most sought after 8 colors that interior designers cherish when specifying Zellige tile. For projects large and small, from a Zellige tile kitchen backsplash to a complete shower surround, designers know that the beauty of these 4" hand cut and hand glazed terra cotta tiles from Fez, Morocco, reflect light and color that feel like sequins of a dress glimmering in sunshine.
