Portugal’s iconic blue and white hand painted tiles are called azulejos.
Arabs brought the art of tile making to Portugal, and to Spain, along with the artistic tradition of “horror vacui,” the disdain for empty or plain spaces. The result of this Islamic Arabic artistic influence can be seen in the stunningly creative tile work covering the empty spaces of both Spain and Portugal.
The first classic blue and white tiles were made in Portugal in the 1500’s.
By the 17th century, yellow was added to create the stunning blue, white and yellow combination.
Purple and green were added next, along with geometric designs. (See Azulejos II for more of these multi-colored tiles.)
In the 18th century a formal tile making school opened in Lisbon.
The proliferation of historic tile work throughout Portugal creates a unique and distinctively Portuguese visual experience.
Cheers to you from Portugal’s beautiful azulejos~
http://www.the-art-minute.com/just-a-second-horror-vacui/
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Really beautiful, Cindy. 🙂
Awww, so pleased you enjoyed & Happy Friday!
Absolutely unique and stunning art.
It is special and it is everywhere in Portugal which makes it even more impressive!
Bright and beautiful post Cindy!! We lived in Spain for several years and the azulejos we saw there were more geometrical/plain than these decorative Portuguese tiles! So pretty even after all the years they’ve been up. thanks for thinking of sharing them! Happy weekeknd ahead Cindy– have plans??
Spain and Portugal are quite distinctive aren’t they, and tile is only one of many ways. You are so lucky you had the experience of living in Spain. I know it enriched your life. Have a wonderful weekend!
We do miss Spain! My dream trip is to go back with our kids and see the places we lived and traveled… Love love your beautiful consistent posts Cindy. xox
You are a lovely person and friend Rhonda. Be well~ <3
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Simply the best info with pics
I am honored & humbled. Thank you!
Gorgeous azulejos! I love that you added info as well to teach us as well as show us their beauty! Thank you Cindy!
Awww, thank you for such a very kind response and have a wonderful week! <3
You too Cindy! ♥
Amazing pictures! What a great artist
Thank you and happy you appreciate the artistry!
I have cobalt blue accents in my kitchen, with usually white or pale yellow walls. I’ve always loved the combination. Beautiful pictures and I loved the history behind them as well.
That is such a gorgeous combination, blue, yellow and white!
I adore the Portugese azulejos – you have put up a wonderful selection, for which, thanks! RH
They are special aren’t they. Thank you for appreciating them & cheers to you~
Obsessed with this color scheme and detail!
Isn’t That Charming.
Yes! I am too. Glad to share them with you!
So beautiful. I enjoyed them pretty much.
Alberto Mrteh (El zoco del escriba)
I am so pleased that you did & thank you!
Azulejos, each a masterpiece! I’m glad the Portuguese did not follow the Arab tradition of not representing human figures in their art.
Yes, it makes for quite beautiful pieces of art doesn’t it.
I had no idea that azulejos even existed before I saw this post. Thank for sharing these great images!
Thank you more for appreciating them!
amazing…such detail…lovely! Thanks for sharing, Cindy!
Thank you much more for your very kind appreciation~