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Tesoro tile has its roots in Italian tile traditions, which were borne out of a long European history of innovations and craftsmanship. In medieval times, tile making was associated with religious halls and royal palaces. Potters were the first tile makers, as their experience with the raw materials developed into an expertise to create new patterns and shapes. From about the 12th through 16th centuries, local Italian handcraftsmen created these inlaid tiles, known as “encaustic” tiles, also called Majolica. One of the first tile floors designed by a well-known artist, a man named Pietro Andrea de Faenza, appeared in the chapel of San Petronio in Bologna at around 1487.
In Sicily, artistic tile was first used during the Baroque period, and the ornate nature of the times lent itself to the intricate geometric possibilities of hand-laid tile. At the same time, Dutch potters based at Delf were exporting more vibrant colors and patterns, borrowed from the Far East. These Delft patterns, known as “delftware” were expensive, popular and in great demand for more than 100 years. It was around this time that tile moved from the floor to other areas. Tile became very useful in the home on walls, in kitchen areas and around fireplaces. The natural protection of tile was useful as insulation and waterproofing for those who lived near riverbanks and canals. Interestingly, this trend remains popular today in many European homes, where tile is often the first choice for flooring and walls.
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