Century Mosaic- The Professional Mosaic Manufacturer: What Is A Mosaic?

Mosaics are an art form that involve fitting small pieces of rock, shell, tile, or glass called tesserae together to create a pattern that may be abstract or representational. Some of the finest examples can be found in ancient art from the Greco-Roman world and Byzantine churches. This craft can be used to decorate everything from chest drawers to floors, and has been a part of artistic expression for many cultures all over the world.
The earliest known mosaics date back to around the eighth century BCE when the Greeks made designs with pebbles. The art form spread to the Romans as well, and was used extensively in the internal decoration of homes and commercial sites. The Romans were especially fond of using this art for flooring, and some truly incredible floor mosaics have been revealed at archaeological sites. With the spread of Christianity came an explosion of this art in churches and other houses of worship; they depicted saints or religious scenes, and often integrated precious materials such as gold and gems in their work.
Some Native American cultures, especially in Latin America, also developed mosaics, which were used to adorn shields and body armor. Latin American designs used stones, such as turquoise, and precious metals, which involved immense technical skill. The oldest pre-Columbian examples appear to date to around 600 BCE, although older ones may have yet to be discovered.

The Middle East has also been a site of incredible mosaic work. Islamic art does not depict human figures, but rather complex geometric patterns that often involve subtle interplays of color and shading. Middle Eastern designs have been used to ornament furniture, flooring, and walls. They are often made specifically with tile and have been used to convey social status and power, since they are expensive to install.
This striking decorative art is also used in modern arts. All of the historical uses of mosaics can be seen in modern design, ranging from ornate tile floors to furnishings and sculptures. Artisans often have very fine materials to work with, and they may include things such as mirrors and vibrantly colored glass to make their designs particularly eye-catching.

Making a mosaic can be fun, since there are so many possible materials to work with. At a minimum, an artist will need a surface to use as a backing and materials to cover it in. Tile factories and pottery studios are a great source of broken clay and glass for the mosaic, and individuals can also purchase tiles that are specifically designed for this purpose. A strong adhesive is needed to fix the tesserae to their backing, and crafters also need grout to finish the piece, along with sealer if it needs to be able to endure moisture. Tools, like tile snipers, are also very handy, though artists should remember to wear face protection when breaking pottery or cutting glass.

Mosaic Tile