Azulejos are more than decorations; they are Portugal’s history, culture, and artistry told through ceramic. Uncover their evolution from traditional blue-and-white panels to contemporary designs that keep the art form alive.
Azulejo Mural Painted in 1939 Depicting the Tagus River in Lisbon
HISTORY.
Much of Portugal’s beauty lies in the way its buildings are decorated from the inside out. Architecture across the country is beautifully enhanced by azulejos, a word derived from the Arabic term al-zillij which means “little polished stone.” As the name suggests, the use of tiles in architecture did not begin in Portugal. Introduced when the Moors invaded the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th century, these tiles were originally used to create complex geometric designs as a significant part of art and religious expression.
Yellow and Green Azulejos with Interlocking Shapes and Floral Accents
Azulejos Displaying Layered Florals in Rich, Earthy Tones
Azulejos didn’t gain extensive popularity in Portugal until King Manuel I’s visit to Seville Spain, and the Alhambra in Granada in the 16th century. At the time, King Manuel was one of the wealthiest monarchs in Europe (thanks to colonization) so he wasted no time importing tiles to have his palace decorated in a similar Spanish-Muslim style.
PEOPLE & ANIMALS.
After reclaiming control from the Moors during the Reconquista (8th – 15th century) Portugal was able to innovate azulejo designs. Released from Islamic restrictions, painters could now add detailed designs in the form of animals, humans, flowers, and religious, cultural, and historical scenes. Azulejos from this period often depicted imagery from Portuguese colonies like Brazil. This artistic evolution became more prominent in the 16th century, influenced by prominent Renaissance and Baroque styles, marking the beginning of Portugal’s unique azulejo tradition.
Azulejos Depicting an Elephant Balancing on an Eyeball
Azulejos Depicting a Flamingo Combined With a Phonograph
Azulejos Featuring a Winged Cherub Face, Framed by a Floral Border.
Azulejo Panel Depicting a Peacock
BLUE & WHITE.
In the past, azulejos often reflected Muslim influences and incorporated earthy colors such as yellow, blue, white and green. During the Age of Discoveries, the color palette began to shift to reflect the popular blue and white ceramics found in both Chinese porcelain brought back from Asia and Dutch Delft ceramics (which was also designed after Chinese styles). Ultimately, the demand for Dutch Delft became so great in the 17th century that the government placed an import ban in hopes that this would help support local tile artists and local production.
Delicate Blue Azulejos with Snowflake-Like Floral Geometry
Azulejos Displaying Radiant Stars and Looped Borders in Cool Tones
Azulejos Featuring a Diagonal Grid Pattern in Soft Blue Tones
ARCHITECTURE.
Originally, the majority of azulejos were featured inside buildings like artwork. However, after the Great Lisbon Earthquake in 1755, tiles were widely used on the exterior of buildings during the rebuilding process to help with stability since they were more inexpensive than marble or stone while still adding beauty.
MODERN USES.
While the ways azulejos are being used have changed the art form remains prevalent and is as much a part of Portuguese culture as ever. Traveling from the streets of the country to the underground, azulejos began being used in metro station murals in the 20th century. Today some of the original azulejo factories are still running, creating both traditional and newer designs–- a testament to the importance of adapting while honoring traditions.
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