Tilework- Introduction
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"
The discussion of tilework on these pages falls into the following categories. You can study them in
historical order, starting with Early Brickwork, or select a particular item of interest.
Learn about
Early Brickwork
Fundamental Concepts
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24-January-95
