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This traditional Moroccan mosaic is called zillij. It is a very skillful job to produce it, and it is expensive to install. All the individual pieces (called furmah) are carefully cut from highly glazed tiles. To build up the pattern, thousands of furmah are laid face down on a floor. The preparation of the furmah is so precise that the edges join perfectly. A concrete mix is poured over the back of the furmah, creating a slab. This slab, when set, can be mounted on a wall or fixed to a floor. This is an example of an indirect method of mosaic making.

The four photos above and right are copyright TCH The photo of a water trough (right) is copyright AMH For more Islamic designs, see these Iznik tiles in London   | Projects | Health and safety | Techniques | Design | Materials, backings, adhesives | Tools | Grouting | Tips, hints, books | Classes in Norwich, UK |