Spanish Tiles

The arrival of Islam on the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th century introduced this region advanced art and culture, which were passed on even after Christianity became the dominant religion in the 15th century. Islamic art and culture, as represented by the Alhambra, can still be seen in the streets of Spain today, and Islamic style geometric tiles were prevalent in the country until around the 16th century. Eventually, influenced by Italian majolica, majolica tiles patterned with colored glazes on white ground were developed and gradually made their way to decorate ordinary homes.

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  Luster and Cobalt-Blue Tile with Geometric Pattern by the Cuenca Technique

  Made for the Alhambra Palace, Granada
  Late 14th century
  206 × 202 (mm)

  A raised outline of the pattern is formed using a mold to keep different color glazes separate.

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  Tiles with Polychrome Design of a Knife, Bowls and Vegetables

  Spanish Majolica
  19th century
  450 × 302 (mm)

  The design is painted directly on the surface of the tile.