authentic, traditional moroccan handmade terracotta
design / photo: jordan brand
the new, centuries-old zellige format
2"x6" zellige, otherwise known as bejmat, is a traditional shape in morocco, reminiscent of an earthier, handcrafted subway tile–which, of course, bejmat predated by centuries. at 3/4” this "subway" size is slightly thicker than our standard 3/8" zellige.
our classic white zellige tile is named weathered white because, even though it is a white terracotta tile of a singular color, that color is made up of dozens of shades of white including greys, creams, pinks, celadons and even blues–all the nuances that can come to life as the color deepens and develops greater character through the years. our weathered white is to white glazed terracotta tiles what opals are to white stones.
design: city home collective / photo: kerri fukui
why we love zellige
clé has made it its mission to push the boundaries of surfaces by exploring tiles from around the world, often introducing materials that have been used in other countries and cultures for centuries. zellige is one of these tiles. probably the most defining characteristic of authentic moroccan zellige is its imperfections: its beautiful flaws, irregularities, and its variation. our zellige is created at the center of expertise for zellige craftsmanship, where the art of cutting and chiseling the tiles to exact sizes by hand has been passed down from generation to generation. every tile is hand-molded, hand-cut, and hand-glazed, which means no two zellige tiles are exactly alike.
design / photo: studio surface
all zellige is not created equal
without the signature pitted surfaces and hand-chiseled edges, all you’re left with is a version of zellige-not the real deal. although machine cut zellige may be fine for certain clients and certain projects (they’re certainly more affordable) - we, at clé, have found that offering these modern versions simply isn’t the clé way. our goal is to provide an authentic zellige steeped in history from morocco where the tradition began. in fact, the clay in our zellige tile collection is the original clay unearthed centuries ago and is still fired using ancient practices in bee-hive kilns fueled by burning olive pits and branches.
design / photo: jordan brand
product specifications
technical specifications
non freeze thaw resistant
radiant heating compatible
uv resistant
stove backsplash
sink backsplash
exterior floor
interior floor
heavy residential
interior wall
exterior wall
fireplace surround
fountain waterline
pool waterline
shower floor + wall
steam shower floor + wall
* see material guidelines guide for specific requirements
for more information, see our tile variation & imperfections guide
