Solar Antique Tiles has a large selection of original antique Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, English and Islamic tiles, that have been removed from buildings and palaces, dating as early as the 16th century up to the early part of the 20th century.
Tiles – or something resembling what we know as tiles – have been used for over three thousand years. Egyptian tiles decorated with different colored clays were used as far back as second millennium B.C. In the 6th century B.C., during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar II, the Babylonians used glazed bricks, for example, to decorate the Gate of Ishtar. This glorious gate depicts lions, archers, and mythical creatures with the body and head of a serpent, fore-feet of a lion, and hind-feet of an eagle.
In Persia, from the 12th to the 14th centuries (Seljuk period), the city of Kashan, south of Teheran, became the most important center for tile production. Here, tiles were made in star shapes, with stunning gold lusters and cobalt blues, and with finely drawn paintings of animals or warriors on horseback, as well as in large rectangles with remarkable calligraphy. In Europe, tile production didn’t start in earnest until late 15th century in central Italy, greatly influenced by both eastern (Ottomans) and western (Moors) Muslims. Tile studios quickly expanded to the northern and western edges of Europe, particularly Holland, Spain and Portugal.
We will work with you to explore a wide variety of tile uses from fireplaces, floors, wainscoting, backsplashes, pools, etc
New York Location:
100 Crosby St. suite 309
New York
NY 10012
Contact Us:
Tel: (212) 755-2403
Tel: (561) 707-9626
[email protected]