The importance of tilework in Persian architecture arises from two
important factors; first the need to weatherproof the simple clay
bricks used in construction, and secondly the need to ornament the
buildings. Tilework was used to emphasise certain motifs such as the
ascending and descending patterns in the dome of the Sheikh Lotfallah
mosque, and to emphasise transitional points in the design either by
providing a patterned panel or border, or by incorporating
calligraphy.
Two main types of tilework developed. The mosaic tilework formed by
incorporating single colour tiles into the design and the so called
cuerda seca technique where a range of colours is used on individual,
generally square shaped tiles. This latter form developed extensively
during the 17th century, Safavid dynasty, as the quality of glazes
improved and because it was significantly cheaper to produce.
The principle colours used were blue, yellow, turquoise, pink,
aubergine and green. These seven colours gave rise to the name haft
rang - which literally means "seven colours"
cy esp, Kelsana, Laurence's travels, birdfarm, and 19 other people added this photo to their favorites.
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Sarah Zambiasi Art 59 months ago | reply
Fantastic architecture, Im inspired by this.
tokek belanda (very busy) 55 months ago | reply
GOLD STAR AWARD (invite needed)
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Amazing architecture, well captured!
Hamid M. 51 months ago | reply
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Unique tile works of Iran, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
enrico_ciciliot 50 months ago | reply
Great work