Underglaze Painted Tiles: A Timeless Iranian Art

Underglaze painted tiles, known as کاشی نقاشی زیرلعابی in Persian, are one of the most beautiful and intricate types of traditional tiles in Iran, famous for their unique manufacturing technique. These tiles are created by hand-painting designs and then applying a transparent glaze over them, which enhances their durability and longevity. Underglaze painted tiles have been used in Iranian architecture for various historical periods, especially during the Safavid era, and continue to play an important role in both historical and modern buildings. Today, the purchase of traditional underglaze painted tiles is popular among architects and enthusiasts of traditional arts, with companies like Behr Traditional Tiles producing and offering these products at the highest quality.

Features of Underglaze Painted Tiles

Underglaze painted tiles stand out among other traditional tiles due to their distinctive features. Some of the key features include:

• Detailed Hand-Painting: All designs are hand-painted before being covered with glaze, which enhances both the beauty and authenticity of these tiles.
• High Durability and Longevity: The application of underglaze painting ensures that these tiles are resistant to moisture, heat, and other environmental conditions, making them highly durable.
• Variety in Designs and Colors: These tiles are produced in a wide range of designs, including floral patterns, animals, and geometric shapes, in vibrant colors that enrich the aesthetic of any space.
• Use of Transparent Glaze: The transparent glaze applied to the tiles enhances their color vibrancy and creates a glossy finish, ensuring the designs remain intact and beautiful for a long time.

Applications of Underglaze Painted Tiles

Underglaze painted tiles are used in various architectural and interior design projects. Some of their key applications include:

• Decoration of Religious and Historical Buildings: Due to their deep connection with Iranian architecture, these tiles are widely used in mosques, shrines, and other religious and historical sites, adding both beauty and authenticity to these spaces.
• Interior Design of Homes and Commercial Spaces: Underglaze painted tiles are often used to decorate walls and floors in residential homes, restaurants, and hotels, creating beautiful and lasting atmospheres.
• Restoration of Old Buildings: In the restoration and renovation of historical buildings, the use of underglaze painted tiles is an ideal choice for preserving the architectural authenticity of the structures.

Famous Locations Featuring Underglaze Painted Tiles

Underglaze painted tiles can be found in several famous locations in Iran, including:

• Vakil Mosque in Shiraz: This mosque features stunning examples of underglaze painted tiles, adorning its walls and pillars.
• Fin Garden in Kashan: The traditional tiles in the garden's historical structures are fine examples of the intricate craftsmanship of underglaze painted tiles.

Leading Manufacturer of Underglaze Painted Tiles

Behr Traditional Tiles, as a leading producer of underglaze painted tiles, exports its high-quality products to Iran, the Persian Gulf region, and Europe, establishing itself as a top name in the field.