Azulejos

The term of azulejos (of the Arab " Al zulaydj" , polished stone, and not of the Spanish " azul" , blue, etymology which seems obvious since the blue color is most frequently used) indicate a whole of squares of Faïence (a azulejo) assembled in wall panel. These squares or these panels can use geometrical reasons or figurative representations. They are found long time in the interiors of buildings but also in coating external of frontage.

This art which developed in all the Iberian peninsula was imported by the Moors at the time of their occupation. Initially not-figurative (prohibition of the figuration in the precepts of the Islam), decorations become figurative with the rise of earthenware in all Europe and in particular in the Flandres (see the museum of the Old people's home Countess to Lille).

If Seville, for Spain, has splendid panels, and if Mexico City enorgueillit of its " Los azulejos" put; , this art particularly developed with the Portugal and in its old colonies (Brésil, counters of Asia - Macao and Goa…)

Today, of splendid panels decorate the interior of the station of Oporto, the Palate of the Marquis de Fronteira or the small vault São Lorenço in the province of the Algarve.

More modestly, of the modest panels are used for religious representations or at descriptive ends.

Lastly, the azulejos have their museum with Lisbon and of the workshops get busy to continue their adaptation to modernity. (see the achievements in the Subway of Lisbon)

See too

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