O Azulejo Português

The Portuguese Tile

We live surrounded by it, yet it often seems to go unnoticed. Or, at least, we don't give it the recognition it deserves, despite it being one of the strongest expressions of our cultural identity.   

In Portugal, the azulejo (tile) has evolved from a merely utilitarian and ornamental function to one of the most original forms of artistic expression, often depicting our own history.   

Despite its simplicity as a resource in building construction, and even though it is not considered a noble material — as described by the azulejo scholar Rafael Salinas Calado (1893–1962), as "made of a bit of earth, a bit of colour, and fire" — it is astonishing how it not only endures for centuries, but also becomes a fundamental element of architecture. Furthermore, it holds the status of a work of art.   

The image shows a blue and white tile panel depicting the Conquest of Ceuta. At the centre, Prince Henry the Navigator is seen holding a sword, leading his Portuguese soldiers. Surrounding him are soldiers engaged in battle with Moorish enemies, some wielding swords and spears. In the background, a walled city with towers and buildings can be seen. The intensity of the battle is captured in the expressions and movements of the combatants.

"Tile panel inside São Bento Station, in Porto, depicting Infante D. Henrique (Prince Harry, the Navigator) during the conquest of Ceuta. Work by the tile artist Jorge Colaço." Source: Comunidade de Cultura e Arte

Portuguese azulejo distinguished itself from other forms of European art by not following erudite norms. Instead, it maintained a popular character — one of its unique features — serving as a brilliant display of colour and light, with the glazing contributing to the luminosity of cities like Lisbon.  

From the earliest Hispano-Moorish influences, Portuguese azulejo has been able to absorb, interpret, and create across a wide range of themes, resulting in its own continuously evolving language and a world heritage.

  Details of the reliefs and designs on the panels of the Chacota collection. The raised curves and lines formed by the floral motif in each wood stand out. The various wood tones create a rich and elegant play of colours and symmetry.

© After Hall 2024

One of its most challenging potentialities is to play with mirroring, symmetries, tones, and textures, using a unique motif to create unions, combinations, and coincidences. Our Chacota collection aims to take advantage of this stimulating possibility through a unique floral motif in relief, available in four types of wood — Linden, Acacia, Ash and Cherry. 

Individually, they shine and stand out for their timeless simplicity. Together, they allow for the creation of a variety of mosaics, with the most diverse combinations left to the choice of those who receive them. Always surrounded by their Brushed Brass frame, which elevates and dignifies this great symbol of Portuguese identity. 

Image showing the different models available in the Chacota collection, described in the caption below.
Available models from the Chacota collection: 2x2 Chacota Panel (top left corner); Chacota Linden Wood (bottom left row); Chacota Cherry Wood (bottom right row); Chacota Ash Wood (top left row); Chacota Acacia Wood (top right row); and 1x4 Chacota Panel (bottom right corner). © After Hall 2024

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Foto de capa: Tile in Portugal. Source: Pixabay

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