Alicatado tiling by alanwilliams

Photography • Abstract • posted on May 17, 2010

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Description

Original Alicatado tilinginside the Alhambra, dating from the fifteenth century. A sort of marquetry in stone derives its name from the type of pincers used to trim the edges of the tiny ceramic pieces used in its make up. These were then put together on a flat surface like a jigsaw puzzle, but face down, and then covered in Gypsum plaster. When the composition was dry it was cleaned and smoothed off before being put into place on the wall. Although this craft has fallen into disuse in Spain, it continues to this day in Morocco, where craftsmen have inherited the artistic skills once common to Al-Andalus and northern Africa. Zooming helps.