Ceramic tile at Tierra y Fuego (Earth and Fire) is not just a simple expression, but a living art, as demonstrated with this Oriental style carpet, skillfully executed by our artisans using Malibu ceramic tiles. The tile mural was made using the cuerda seca technique (dry line or string), which allows for combinations of different color glazes to be applied onto a terra cotta tile without mixing. The “dry string” technique dates back hundreds of years to Spain. The method was first introduced to the Iberian Peninsula by the Moors. This same technique was used by California Malibu Potteries of the 1920s in the making of Malibu ceramic tiles. Evidence of “dry line” tiles is found in the form of a Persian style carpet at the famous Adamson House in Malibu California. The house is an icon of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, which it is now owned by the state of California and open to the public as a museum.

The word carpet means “to spread”, and carpet-weaving continues to be an essential part of Persian art and culture. In the case of this Malibu tile mural, we have taken the design of a Persian carpet onto ceramic tiles producing a fantastic Tierra y Fuego exclusive Malibu ceramic tile carpet mural composed of a single medallion in center displaying Persian floral motifs, including arabesques, flower-stems, palmettos, rosettes, blossom and leaf motifs. The exceptionally fine detail and stunning color can only be achieved by the most experienced and talented Tierra y Fuego artisans.This amazing Malibu tile mural can be used in just about any residential application. It is ideal for an entry hall, it can also be the focal point of a bedroom, living room, or master bathroom.

Exceeding expectations:

Tierra y Fuego guarantees this absolutely gorgeous piece of art 100% and if you are not completely satisfied, just returned it within 30 days.

Technical Specs:

• Authentic 100% handcrafted and hand decorated tiles ceramic technique
• “Dry line” technique with gloss and mate glazes
• May be installed on low traffic residential floors
• Can be installed on all interior and residential commercial walls
• Exterior used only in moderate clime
• Must be sealed with a high quality penetrating sealer before and after grouting
• Not frost proof

For many decades tile has been an essential, vibrant, and expressive element of California’s Spanish-Revival and Mediterranean architectural styles.  Ceramic tile, particularly hand made and hand decorated tiles, can be found in historic buildings in places such as San Diego or San Clemente; in seaside estates like Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, or Malibu; in canyon villas, such as Rancho Santa Fe, Beverly Hills, and Hancock Park; and bungalows, particularly in Pasadena, North Park (San Diego), and Palm Springs.