1285 - Composition with Portuguese tiles in blue with a vase motif, Portugal, 17th century

Composition with Portuguese tiles in blue with a vase motif, Portugal, 17th century Painted ceramic. Measurements: 126cm x 126cm. Al-zuleique is the Arabic word from which the word "azulejo" is derived, and it designated the "small, smooth, polished stone" used by Muslims in the Middle Ages. The way in which tiles were applied to decorate floors and walls pleased the Portuguese kings, and thus, from the 15th century onwards, they began to have a prominent place in architecture. It can be said that Portugal adopted them in a unique way, like no other European country. In the 18th century, tiles "invaded" churches and convents, palaces and houses, gardens, fountains and staircases. With geometric motifs, telling stories from the lives of saints or secular themes such as La Fontaine's fables, sometimes with text as if it were a precursor to comics, they became one of the main Portuguese decorative elements. Today, antique Portuguese tiles are a highly prestigious collector's item and are sought after by the world's best auction houses to offer their clients this magnificent work of universal art.