"Azulejo" (a-zoo-lay-zhosh) means small square tile. Portuguese Royalty have adorned their palaces and homes with ceramic tiles for hundreds of years. At first, tiles were only blue and white, but by the 17th century we see blues, yellows, greens and white. Early examples developed from geometric Moorish lace-like and looping designs into European plant and animal themes. These progressed, in turn, from the Gothic to the pure Renaissance style.  By the 18th century tile painters regained the status of artists and frequently signed their panels. This era of the masters combined a furious spontaneity with an attention to the particulars of both human and architectural figures. By mid-century the influence of the French Regency style, and Rococo engravings from central Europe was keenly felt.

This wooden framed Portuguese tile plaque has hand painted tiles done in blue and white on a white background  from the 1700’s with rocaille motifs.  There are stylized rocaille shells with scrolling c-and s-scrolls, and gadrooned leaves surrounding an open white field bearing a single margent of laurel leaves with berries.  The tiles have been inset into a frame from a later date to preserve the integrity of the tiles.

Condition:  Chipping to outer edges of tiles;  recently grouted.