The Mediterránea collection, designed by Todobarro, reinterprets the aesthetic language of the zellige to bring it back to the 21st century.

The passion for craftsmanship and our cultural heritage has led Todobarro to collaborate with the Moroccan brand Aït Manos in the Mediterranean collection that we present. Both brands are working to defend local craftsmanship and bring it up to date through design.

Aït Manos is a world leader in the preservation of the traditional method of producing zellige. Its work enhances the value of this historic material through innovation and design. Companies like Aït Manos are indispensable in the preservation of the craftsmanship necessary to produce zellige of the highest quality.

With this new collection, Todobarro has joined this work in a project that seeks to promote the Spanish-Muslim bridge that Mediterranean culture represents. A commitment to the combination of Moroccan tradition, innovation in handcrafted materials and a contemporary design perspective.

Handcrafted zellige

Zellige is a type of handmade mosaic tile that is characteristic of Hispano-Arabic architecture and dates back to the 10th century in Fez (Morocco). These tiles are glazed by hand and cut by hand, after firing, using a small sharp hammer called a menqach.

This work, carried out by expert craftsmen, makes each piece unique and allows them to be installed practically bone by bone thanks to the bevelled edges. In this way, unrepeatable combinations are obtained in which the nuances of colour, the thickness of each piece and, above all, their characteristic geometric designs take centre stage.

The zellige is one of the symbols of Andalusian culture and has become the main historical showcase for the advances in geometry, mathematics and craftsmanship cultivated by this culture on the shores of the Mediterranean.

Todobarro’s zellige is produced by Aït Manos and is made from 98 % natural Moroccan clay and 2 % water and glaze. The firing process is carried out in gas kilns using clean energy. These mosaics are made by hand using the traditional zellige method and are recognised by the Moroccan Ministry of Culture for their work in preserving culture and craftsmanship.

Models from the Mediterránea collection

Pineapple. A reinterpretation of the classic Andalusian border with plant motifs, abstracting its figure from elementary rhombuses and trapezoids.

Wickerwork. Basketry work with natural fibres has inspired this organic zellige mosaic.

Reeds. The reed is an iconic element of Mediterranean architecture. An indispensable reference.

Saddler. A saddler is a craftsman who tanned and worked leather. This composition recalls the characteristic decorative marks made on this fabric.

Linen. The textile trade and the work on the looms are a basic element of our craft culture.

Alboran. The westernmost area of the Mediterranean is called Alboran. A sea that joins the Andalusian coast with the Moroccan coast and gives its name to this model.

Basic formats

Gueliz. The smallest square in the Zellige catalogue. Ideal for attention-grabbing details and placements in any space.

Field. A very versatile classic. Its 10-centimetre size makes it a perfect fit in small and medium-sized spaces.

Bejmat. The iconic zellige rectangle. An ideal format for creating geometric compositions such as herringbones, half ropes, etc.

Thalia. Small elegant rectangle. A delicate and eye-catching piece to create memorable spaces.

Asni. The largest rectangle in this catalogue. It adapts to larger spaces and adds richness with its larger surface area of continuous colour.

Yunus. A piece full of identity that creates very harmonious tessellations. It can be used as a single tone cladding or combined with different colours to make the most of its geometric potential.

Todobarro

Todobarro develops original designs, creating new textures and tones and updating the aesthetic language of terracotta. This differentiation has led them to be described as “neo-artisans” by numerous media.

Its catalogue currently offers two exclusive lines for designing personalised spaces. Premium glazed line of handmade tiles and handcrafted tiles. Clay line with countless traditional and modern designs thanks to its geometric and tonal compatibility.

At Todobarro they believe that in order to keep traditions alive, they have to adapt them to the times we live in. That is why they have introduced into their production system the manufacture of moulds using 3D printing from biodegradable plastic (PLA).

Local and handmade production. All their products are made to order. Each piece is handmade by a master craftsman and air-dried before being fired in the kiln.

All its pieces are unique. Due to its artisan production process, all its products have chromatic variations. The natural clay formats may have variations in tone and even burnt due to the firing in a Nasrid kiln, and the enamelled ones due to the manual enamelling process.

One of the most differentiating aspects of its products is the Antique texture, an antiquing process with which velvety surfaces and worn edges similar to antique tiles are achieved. This finish provides greater elegance and aesthetic differentiation.

Source: Todobarro.