What’s Your Preference?

moi · #1 (**permalink**) 11-16-2009, 09:07 AM

Buçaco Palace, in Luso,Portugal was once a Carmelite convent and is now a hotel. The outside terraces of the hotel-as well as the reception area- are decorated with HUGE tiled murals. The panels tell the stories of famous Portuguese battles, exotic locations and folk stories. They were painted by Jorge Colaço (Jorge ColaÃ§o - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia).

Palace Hotel of Bussaco - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The tiles are called AZULEJOS. The word 'azulejo' is derived from the Arabic word: "al zulayj" : Zellige, meaning "polished stone". Some people think that the 'azul', meaning 'blue' in Portuguese, also can be used to explain why so many well known tile designs focus on blue.

When I first visited Portugal, in 1977,it was the pottery and azulejos that caught my interest and I have never lost my love for these works of art.

Anyway,some examples of Jorge Colaço's work! Centre panels as well as corner details from the borders of the panels.

A SEA GOD

VICTORIOUS KNIGHT

PLANT SWALLOWER !

OWL (CORUJA)

SoxAddict · #2 (**permalink**) 11-16-2009, 02:27 PM

Wow, these are really impressive! Lovely and colorful too. Love the owl :-)

moi · #3 (**permalink**) 11-16-2009, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoxAddict

Wow, these are really impressive! Lovely and colorful too. Love the owl :-)

SoxAddict............imagine leaving such a legacy behind!! I love the owl too...........

fstopMike · #4 (**permalink**) 11-16-2009, 05:46 PM

These are gorgeous. I never knew anything about them before your post. Thanks for sharing!

Preacherman · #5 (**permalink**) 11-16-2009, 05:57 PM

Great shots, and fascinating information. I guess these things cost a bit. It's the owl for me too. Thanks for these. PAUL

raveen2u · #6 (**permalink**) 11-16-2009, 06:02 PM

Wowwww I love the first one very much... Its soooo realistic

...
-Raveen

moi · #7 (**permalink**) 11-16-2009, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fstopMike

These are gorgeous. I never knew anything about them before your post. Thanks for sharing!

Hi Mike, travelling across Portugal the azulejo masterpiees are everywhere....a very beautiful way to show pride in the country. Thanks for looking!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Preacherman

Great shots, and fascinating information. I guess these things cost a bit. It's the owl for me too. Thanks for these. PAUL

Imagine all the work that went into these,Preacherman-definitely would have been costly but decorating a palace would have been quite a challenge too. Glad you liked them.