On the streets of Portugal, we are easily mesmerized by the vibrant Azulejo tiles and the enchanting memories they carry. Each one tells a unique story, and Castelbel’s Tiles Collection is a heartfelt tribute to this heritage.
As you dive into this delicate range, we invite you to explore the secrets of a reimagined tradition. Once relegated to walls, it now gains new life and mediums, weaving a fresh narrative.
Can you feel the magic?
Preservation, an act of love
In Portugal, Tiles are more than mere decoration, they are a living part of our history. From the days of Arab influence to the present, these ceramic masterpieces narrate stories of triumphs, ignite artistic inspiration, and impart a unique flair to our architectural heritage.
This tradition as evolved through centuries of influence from diverse cultures, such as Arab, Renaissance, and Baroque art styles. And this mix of styles has contributed to the richness and diversity of the country’s art, from geometric shapes to vivid scenes.
At the core of this project lies a unique partnership with Gazete Azulejos.
We chose this partnership not only because of its geographical proximity, but also because of its non-profit and collaborative commitment in which citizens are invited to participate actively, especially in the cataloging process.
Since 2016, Alba and Marisa have been leading this project, working closely with Az – Rede de Investigação em Azulejo (Azulejo Research Network), an affiliated group of ARTIS – Instituto de História da Arte (Art History Institute) of the Faculty of Letters of the University of Lisbon, as part of the “Cataloguing Portuguese tile patterns” project.
The invitation to discovery
The growing popularity of tourism and commercial activities in Portugal has brought new challenges for the preservation of tiles.
The frequent negligent restauration of historic buildings and the illicit trade of vintage tiles emphasize the critical nature of cataloguingand preserving these invaluable pieces.
When we set out to create the Tiles Collection, we took a deep dive into the tradition of Portuguese tile. Rather than a simple reference or memory, the approach was to revitalize this form of expression, moving away from the conventional idea of a simple souvenir.
It was fascinating to discover the different production methods and associated patterns in collaboration with Gazete Azulejos . We decided on stencil technique which involves using stencils to apply each layer of color separately, resulting in the final design.
For example, the Santal Tonka pattern, when removed from its ceramic medium, takes on a life of its own, assuming an almost paisley-Moorish appearance.
The manufacturing of tiles is an intricate process. First, the clay is molded and fired at high temperatures, yielding robust and resilient pieces. Subsequently, the surface undergoes manual glazing and painting, before progressing to the firing process.
It feels as if a new chapter of this story has unfolded!
From paintings to fragrances
Now close your eyes, take a deep breath and let yourself be transported to a world where time has no boundaries.
The art of painting tiles is like orchestrating a symphony of colors and warmth, leading to unexpectedly stunning results.
Deeply relaxing blue and lilac are echoed in the fragrance of Lavender Chamomile.
The Santal Tonka fragrance is warm and enveloping, like the embrance of a long-time friend.
And Green Sencha, ever vibrant and invigorating, awakens the senses.
If you’ve yet to add our collection to your inspiration list, keep reading!
A unique and inspiring collection
Our essence lies in the commonplace, where tiles seamlessly blend into our routines. It’s a fragrant tribute to tradition, but also a celebration of the here and now.
Thia collection boasts diverse range of fragrant pieces, from diffusers and aromatic candles to soaps and scented sachets, each with its own unique pattern.
Each piece serves as an enticing gateway to bygone eras, our diffusers softly unveil ancient mysteries, while our candles cast light upon long-forgotten tales.
When choosing Tiles you are choosing the authenticity, the history, the culture of a country!
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