The former Portuguese colony of Goa on India’s west coast has its own distinct identity and cultural heritage, blending local Indian elements with southern European echoes deriving from the colonial era, with ceramic tiles playing a large part in this
Portuguese-style ceramic tiles, adorning churches, houses, restaurants and public squares is a legacy from that period that is undergoing a vibrant renaissance. From small street signage to huge custom ceramic murals, these tiles form a vital element of the local cultural scene.
Azulejos, as these tiles are known in Portuguese, are noted for their delicate yet powerful blue and white designs, that can be either hand-painted or printed. Although a legacy of the former Iberian colonists, azulejos tiles have become an integral part of the Goan cultural identity, through the incorporation of local motifs and stylistic elements. There is an increasing demand for these decorative tiles, and an art which almost became extinct following reunification with India is once more thriving thanks to a few enterprising artists.
One such artist is Orlando de Novonha. A key figures behind the revival, he points out that Goans today prefer tiles with a Portuguese aesthetic that embrace Goan motivic elements. With improved printing technologies, azulejos tiles can be produced at lower cost than in the past when hand-painted tiles were the norm, opening up the market to a far wider demographic.
At Digital Ceramics Custom Tiles, we produce custom ceramic tiles for murals, signage and interior design to a high quality using the latest printing techniques. If you think decorative tiles could be the making of your design or construction project, get in touch with us today and find out how we can support your work.
Talk to us today and find out how we can transform a project of any scale into an exciting visual experience.
