Azulejos, Portuguese for tiles, are much more than just tiles. These often intricately decorated tiles have been an important part of Portuguese visual arts for centuries. A part so culturally significant that many even say there are fewer things more Portuguese than azulejos. These beautifully distinguished tiles are found everywhere in Portugal as they are used to decorate houses, metro stations, park benches, churches, palaces, fountains and just about anything else you could imagine. Which is what inspired us to include them in our Civilizations Suit Linings Series.

Although the tile itself originated in Egypt and the term azulejos came from the Moors, the art form did not reach Portugal until after the Christian reconquest in the 15th century. This timing allowed for an explosion of tile production in Portugal due to the changes in architecture following the end of the Gothic period. Large buildings now mainly had extensive plaster walls which lacked artwork. While many cultures painted frescoes, the Portuguese used azulejos. This form was so popular that by the 18th century, the Portuguese were producing more tiles than anyone else in Europe.

Traditionally the azulejo art would depict tales from Portugal’s history or perhaps religious themes. These motifs remained popular until the early 20th century, at which point displeasure for the tile art grew and was considered only for the lower class. This period of distaste lasted until the mid-1950’s when the azulejos saw a revival and popular resurgence that would build over the coming decades. Artists began to take the art into their own hands and push the boundaries of what was then considered traditional. By the late 1990’s the azulejo work was being commissioned utilizing more contemporary style. They are now ubiquitous with Portuguese culture and a source of pride.