Granada Ceramics to Decorate Your Home

When we refer to Granada ceramics, we’re actually talking about Fajalauza ceramics. The artisan pottery characterizing the Andalusian city. However, the origin of this style is the Mozarabic era from more than five centuries ago.

Undoubtedly, the artisan Fajalauza’s ceramics is one of the most distinctive signs of Granada’s identity. But sadly, this legacy has been thrown into jeopardy.

Below, we’re going to show you a little more about the history of this ceramic style and how to integrate it into your home decoration.

History of Granada ceramics from Fajalauza

This type of artisan ceramics is named after the Puerta de Fajalauza in Albaicín. In the 19th century, there were various workshops for this type of ceramics. One in particular that we want to highlight is the workshop of Cecilio Morales Moreno. This is a foundation that helps to persevere the legacy of this Granada artisan.

These ceramic pieces are hand-painted. They are also used in construction and decoration, both indoors and outdoors. According to documentation, the origins of Fajalauza ceramics start in the early 16th century.

Historically, the wall that surrounded the Granada Albaicín neighborhood had six gates. One was the Fajalauza gate. This was constructed in the first half of the 14th century thanks to Hajib Ridwan, Minister of Yusuf I of Granada.

The main function of these gates was to help protect the neighborhood. The Fajalauza gate connected the zone with the Alfareros area. This neighborhood existed since 1517. In fact, it contained many potters’ workshops. From the 19th century on, this area was known as the Fajalauza ceramic workshops.

Potters make this type of ceramic from glazed clay. Then, designers decorate the clay. They use mainly blue, gray, and green tones. They also use vegetable motifs, fauna, and heraldic motifs.

You can still find artisan workshops that continue working with clay the same way potters did five centuries ago. While they don’t alter the shape or style of the product, they do use new technology, such as electricity, in the process.

How do you integrate Granada ceramics into your home?

Fajalauza ceramics have many different functions. However, you can use them in many aspects of your life. In fact, you can even decorate the walls of your home with tiles or ceramic plates from Granada.

In addition, you can also use Granada ceramic plates that display inscriptions or poems. If you visit Granada, you’ll notice that craftsmen made and painted some of the street signs.

As an example of the versatility and great beauty of this ceramic, you can find a large number of tiles from the Patio de los Arrayanes of the Alhambra.

Another alternative for using Fajalauza ceramics is to renovate areas such as the kitchen. For example, you can use this style of ceramic to create unique tiles.

In terms of design, you can find shades and formats that match your preferences. As a result, you can create something magnificent and original. On the other hand, you can also use this design on a smaller budget than you might think.

Artisanal objects, such as Granada ceramics, have their own soul. The typical blue and green decoration of the Fajalauza ceramics is an element to consider in your home decoration.

Conserving this style

The unique decoration of these ceramics makes them very special. In addition,  master craftsmen hand paint them. The designs depart from traditional patterns. As a result, these ceramics have their own identities, which will give your home a special charm.

This is why it’s so important to value this craft. There are many significant qualities, which is why this style has survived until today. Above all, we should protect this beautiful example of human creative genius.

Without a doubt, Granada ceramics are an example of Andalusian crafts. These continue to earn a place in home decoration.

As a result, we encourage you to use this type of ceramic in your home decoration. It will give a handmade touch to your spaces. Fajalauza ceramics are Iberian crafts that will enhance your walls and even your patio.