Portugal's azulejos have an ancient history. The name itself may be significant. While some trace its origin to azul, meaning "blue," others suggest that the Portuguese word developed from an Arabic verb, zallaga, meaning "to be smooth, slippery." In the fourteenth century Portugal imported artistic and colorful tiles from Andalusia in Spain, where there was a strong Moorish or Arabic influence in both art and language. One can still see tiles from that period both inside and outside religious buildings in the cities of Córdoba and Seville. Decorated in green, white, blue, black and cream colors, they display complex designs of polygons and star shapes, typical of the Spanish-Moorish style.
But Spain is not the only source of azulejos. Much of this decorative tilework displays Oriental designs, reminiscent of China. Centuries ago Portuguese explorers carried on trade in the Canton delta. Impressed with the beauty of delicate Chinese porcelainware, the explorers brought much of it back to Lisbon. The Chinese were fond of using blue on white for decorating porcelain, a color scheme you will frequently see on azulejos in Portugal. During the seventeenth century the Dutch made a fine imitation of the Chinese product. Portugal was quick to import from the Dutch too
But Spain is not the only source of azulejos. Much of this decorative tilework displays Oriental designs, reminiscent of China. Centuries ago Portuguese explorers carried on trade in the Canton delta. Impressed with the beauty of delicate Chinese porcelainware, the explorers brought much of it back to Lisbon. The Chinese were fond of using blue on white for decorating porcelain, a color scheme you will frequently see on azulejos in Portugal. During the seventeenth century the Dutch made a fine imitation of the Chinese product. Portugal was quick to import from the Dutch too
