Moroccan Pottery
Traditional and contemporary Moroccan pottery is noted for its vibrant colours and intricate geometric patterns. The Nomads Tent's utilitarian collection reveals inspiration from Islamic art, Moorish-Spanish influences and Berber simplicity.
Fez Pottery
Fez is the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities and conjures up images of culture and colour, history and art. For over six centuries, pottery from this northern Moroccan city has been embellished with Moorish-Spanish influences, often showing intricate geometric and arabesque patterns flowers, Berber motifs and embroidery inspired designs. Fez pottery stands apart in terms of both quality and design, and the methods and machinery used in this craft have remained unchanged over the generations.
Pottery and ceramics in Fez trace their influences and origins to as early as the Phoenicians. However, the ceramic tradition that we identify as most typically from Fez today has clear roots in the period around the late 15th century during Spain’s Reconquista. This was a period when Arabs and Jews were forced out of Andalucía. Many of the artisans and craftsman who had worked on projects like the Alhambra in Granada and learned the craft of glazed ceramics in Cordoba, gravitated to Fez, a bustling, wealthy city. The combination of the skill and techniques of Andalusian Arab artisans along with a wealthy merchant class with disposable income, all led to the establishment of the ceramic tradition of Fez pottery that remains there to this day. Fassi ceramics are shaped as much by the local geography as by Fez’s rich history. The local clay found around Fez is fine in texture and predominantly grey (as opposed to the terracotta tones found further south). The color and texture of the clay has directly impacted the design. As it dries, the natural grey tones of the clay lighten in color making it the perfect blank canvas for the white glaze and cobalt decoration. The natural mineral content of the clay surrounding the city, along with a relatively low amount of impurities, means it is suitable for finer work and is more durable once fired. The high firing temperature also means it can usually withstand the more modern rigors of microwaves and dishwashers – always a bonus!
Safi Pottery
Safi is a quiet coastal town with a diversified industry known for its sardines and seafood as well as its ceramics. Despite Safi being an industrial town life goes on as it has for centuries for the potters in the old potter’s quarter. Safi boasts the oldest pottery kilns in Morocco and Safi pottery workshops are particularly famous for their dark blue and turquoise plates and tagines, and designs in the traditional Zwak design (see image) with white and cream-colored backgrounds as well as for the famous green tiles that can be seen on roofs in all the major cities.
All of their pieces are still made by hand and are a major source of income for the town of Safi. Row upon row of potters’ workshops can be found displaying their breathtaking works of art and tourists are welcome to watch the potters at work as they create their masterpieces.
Encaustic Tiles
Encaustic tiles have been prized for their durability and vibrancy for centuries. From traditional Victorian patterns to strong graphic designs and delicately pigmented hexagonal tiles, the popularity of Moroccan encaustic tiles has soared in the last few years. Cement tiles are made by hand, one at a time, using mineral pigments, cement, a mold, and a hydraulic press. The metal mold is handmade following specific design drawings. The pigment composition is a mixture of high-quality cement, marble powder, fine sand, and natural mineral colour pigments. Moroccan encaustic tiles are not fired in a kiln just dried in the sunshine. Being handmade, Moroccan cement tiles are expected to have slight imperfections, which give them character and depth. They are extremely hard-wearing and environmentally friendly and with the correct sealer and maintenance, Moroccan tiles can last a lifetime and can even be used in gardens. The Nomads Tent stocks a small collection of original reclaimed Moroccan encaustic tiles.