History of persian tile and ceramic industry

History of persian tile and ceramic industry

Today, persian tile are essential materials in construction and interior design. The market for these products is very popular, especially in countries that need additional resources to produce building materials such as tiles and ceramics, resulting in a high demand for imported tiles. Persian tiles are among the best choices for import due to their high quality, which meets international standards.

In this article, we will discuss the rich history of Persian tiles. If you’re considering purchasing them, we recommend reading until the end of this article.

The Art of persian tile

As an art, persian tile is one of the valuable and sublime arts used for decoration in Iranian architecture from the ancient time to the present. This art has extensively been used for the beauty of the exteriors and interiors of religious buildings, mausoleums, mosques and bridges over various historical periods. This practical art used for fortification and beautification of buildings and monuments dates back to the second millennium B.C. and persian artists have been familiar with making adobes and glazed bricks since the ancient time. The glazed bricks in green, yellow and brown with human and plant designs have been used as tiles. ‌

Achaemenides period

During the Achaemenides period, square-shaped bricks were produced at the very place that the building was constructed. They were brownish and followed a particular style called Moaqeli. In some of the buildings of that period, traces of bricks and tiles could be seen. Monuments remaining from the Achaemenides period allude to the peak of this craft and art and one can assume that the technology was prosperous at that time. Achaemenides palaces in Persepolis and Susa are prime examples of persian tile and glazed bricks.

Parthian period

Tiles were made during the reign of Parthians, too.

Arsacid period

Due to the ongoing wars, pottery production remained stagnant during the Arsacid period. The art of tile-making did not receive that much attention during this period and the Arsacid rulers used drawings for decoration rather than tiles.

Sassanians period

Tile-making became prosperous during the Sassanians period. Some pretty and elegant buildings came into being by artists. During the Sassanians period, the art of Achaemenides emerged and prospered although it was in the form of imitation. persian tile of Achaemenides became common in its old style and with thicker glazing during the rule of Sassanians. Numerous examples of these tiles whose glazing was one centimeter in thickness was found in the explorations in Firoozabad and Bishapur. During the Sassanians period, the art of making mosaic gained popularity in addition to the persian tile .   Two eastern and western courts of Bishapur have been covered by mosaic in various colors, floral decorations and pictures of birds and human beings.

Islamic period

The persian tile is one of the attractive methods of decorative architecture in all of the Islamic territories. Together with fresco and stucco, the persian tile brings about numerous colors and designs for mosques, mausoleums, palaces and private mansions. Apparently, tiles have been used in proportion to construction materials of every region considering internal or external use and they have become more mature as a complementary element to the beauty of the brick architecture. The history of the Islamic tile persian dates back to the 9^th century A.D. It is worth mentioning that prior to the advent of Islam, the persian tile was an ancient practice in Egypt and the Near East. The glazed tiled were used in Egypt since the rule of the Third Dynasty of Egypt.

Old iranian tiles

Tiling in Iran has a long history, dating back to the ancient city of Bishapur. It was initially used to decorate the walls of palaces and religious sites during the Achaemenid, Parthian, and Sasanian periods. During that time, Persian handmade tiles were crafted from cut stone pieces. These tiles were painted and used as mosaics to adorn cities and royal palaces. It is believed that the art of mosaic work was introduced to Iran during the war of Shapur I with Valerian and the subsequent presence of Roman prisoners in Iran.

Types of Old Persian tiles

The art of tile making in Iran has developed uniquely over time, with designs and arrangements expanding. Persian artisans have created beautiful handmade tiles such as Zarin Fam tile, mosaic tile, Muqarnas tile, Minayi tile, and Seven-color tile. When these tiles are installed, they give spaces a stunning and special feeling.

iranian handmade tile

Handmade tiles are special and unique because of the art and innovation used in their production. They were widely used in various buildings and structures before industrialization. Even today, Persian handmade tiles with excellent quality and artistic designs are used to decorate and beautify floors, walls, and other parts of the environment.

It’s interesting to note that different types of handmade tiles are used in various architectural styles. Examples of these arrangements include lattice tiling and Muqarnas tiling. Iranian tiling is considered one of the best and most excellent ways that the architects of this region have used to decorate buildings. Tile work, created by experienced masters, has become widespread in post-Islamic Iran. It’s rare to find an official building in Iran that doesn’t feature stunning tile designs.

In the following, we will see the development of Persian tile art from generation to generation.

The evolution of Persian tiles and tiling

It is said that the flourishing period of authentic Iranian tiling was in the early centuries after Islam. However, before Islam, this art was common in decorating various spaces.

Iran’s artwork is so unique and strong that the old works with the combined colors of lead and tin remain attractive after many years.

Persian tile work during the Seljuk Empire

The art of tiling developed as an important decorative art during the Seljuk period and the 5th century. In post-Islamic Iran, the Seljuk period was the beginning of the use of Persian tiles in religious structures.

As we have seen, the Persian tiles designs are very diverse and eye-catching. This diversity is combined with high quality and strength, which has created a special place for Iranian brands in the world market. The use of high-quality Iranian mineral material and manufacturing and design with the world’s best methods and technology, in combination with the art and creativity of Iranian designers, gives an extraordinary result.

If you are an investor in the tile and ceramic market and are interested in Iranian tile designs, contact us to receive services and free advice on buying Persian tiles at a wholesale price. As a final tip, if you want to know more about Iranian tile export and how to import tile from Iran, you can read the articles on our website or contact us.