Morocco has some of the last workshops devoted to the production of zillij, also known as zellige, zillige, zellij, zelige, the living craft of hand-cut glazed ceramic mosaic tile that was developed in Andalusia in the twelfth century. We have gathered this collection of mosaic designs from our network of zellige artists and from traditional Moroccan interior architecture. Zillij tile is a visual language. The vocabulary of each zillij tile design is composed of geometric shapes, intricate patterns and simple timeless colors.
We represent Moroccan artisans who continue the lineage of this distinctive tradition. Zillij tile patterns combine elements of the mathematical, artistic, spiritual and cosmological. This abstract geometrical craft is a vital decorative element in the history of Islamic art and architecture. Zillij tile is used to adorn walls, floors, stairs, columns, archways, pools and baths, balconies, interior courtyards and garden pathways. Modern applications for zillij tile include zillij tile tables, backsplashes, countertops. and fireplaces facades.
Traditional zillij tile designs are available in repeat patterns of single shapes and elaborate rosettes that evoke optical illusions. All of our tile is custom-made to made to order. We can also produce any traditional historic zillij tile design by special order. Each project is unique and our workshops produce this traditional craft for commissioned custom design projects.
LEAD TIME: The average lead time is 5 -8 week + 7-10 business days for air-shipping
The lead time for custom orders depends on the intricacy of the design and on the quantity and size of the project.
PRICING: Prices range from $30.00 per square foot up to $250.00 per square foot.
PAYMENT: A 50% deposit is required to initiate an order. The full balance and shipping fees must be paid before your order is released for shipment/delivery.
We accept Mastercard, Visa and American Express.
INDIVIDUAL TILES: Each piece of zillij tile is hand-cut with a chisel. Zillij tile may be ordered as individual tile pieces and installed as a mosaic on-site by a professional tile installer, we do not provide installation services.
TILE PANELS: Zillij tile may also be ordered as a panel in sizes made to suit the specifications of your project. The individual mosaic tiles are hand-cut with a chisel and then assembled face down to fit together like a puzzle, and set on mesh into an easy to install slab. The mosaic panels are set on a flexible plastic mesh.
PANEL THICKNESS: 1/2 inch thick {1.5 cm }, average panel size for installation ranges from 12″ x 12″ up to 20″ x 20″ panels depending on the design. Panel size is determined by the scale of the design and how the pattern repeats.
CUSTOM DESIGN PROCESS: Zillij tile is an art that has specific measurements for each pattern. We can reproduce any traditional Moroccan mosaic design. Our zillij tile artisan will adjust the scale of mosaic tiles to suit your specifications as closely as possible. For more information about our custom design services and rates, please email sr@marrakechdesigns.com
INSTALLATION GUIDELINES ~ TRADITIONAL MOROCCAN METHOD
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL TILE INSTALLER
These installation instructions are offered as guidelines only. Marrkech Designs will not be held responsible for errors, issues or problems due to installation.
- Carefully open all the boxes of the tile and remove the tiles or mosaic panels. Gently dust or wipe the fine clay powder off the mosaic panels with a soft broom or cloth. The mosaic panels that are set on mesh are not grouted, and they are often coated with a fine clay dust for shipping. After removing the dust, the tiles may be soaked in water for a couple of minutes.
- For intricate mosaic designs each tile panel is numbered and the numbered panels will fit together seamlessly like a puzzle, #1 connects to #2, # 2 connects to #3 etc. It is very important to lay-out the whole mosaic design on the floor in clean protected area and approve of how the entire design connects prior to installation. This important for all zellige designs, be a simple or intricate design, the tiles are all hand cut with a chisel and must be positioned by hand as they will all have subtle variations in shape and color. With 2” x 2” or 4 “x 4” or any loose mosaics such as the taksirra Make sure the colors are batch mixed and adjust positioning so it pleases your eye prior to installation.
3. The wall or floor area should be well prepared and leveled before placing the Zellige tiles. Evenly apply flexible adhesive for ceramic tile on the surface to be tiled as well as on the back of the tile. If your zellige tile will be installed in shower area or as sink back splash, be sure to specify that your installer use a waterproof adhesive material and water proof grout. When laid in direct contact with water: pools, showers (floors and walls), water features, worktops; that the sub-surface must be waterproofed. Like other glazed ceramics, covering a surface with Zellige tiles does not guarantee waterproofing. Humidity can filter through the grout or any surface irregularities. We suggest a grout in a neutral color as is traditionally applied in Morocco.
4. When you are ready for installation, position the tiles by hand, with attention to the fine details for how the overall tile design connects together.
5. Once the adhesive is dry and the Zellige tiles are well fixed to the surface, spread very thin liquid grout cement over the surface, with a rubber spatula, making sure that the spaces between the tiles are completely filled. It is important to grout slowly and methodically one section at time. Wipe of the excess grout cement with a damp sponge or cloth. Manually touch up any possible areas that may have been left without grout.
7. Zellige tile can be cut – Either snap with a tile cutter or slice with a wet diamond blade
