The History of Mosaics

By definition, mosaics are pictures or decorations made of small pieces of glass, stone, or other aggregates that are fit together to form often colorful designs and patterns. Mosaics have been around for over 4,000 years. Over this time, methods of making tile mosaics as well as the materials in their making have varied considerably.

The earliest known mosaics were made using cone–shaped pieces of terracotta pressed pointed end first into some type of backing that would hold them into place. Years later, colorful pebbles and stones were used to create pebbled pavements. Eventually, in 4th century BC, the Greeks designed geometric patterns to create scenes of humans and animals using these pebbled stones. It was during this time that mosaics as an art form were born.

Later in 200 BC, small colorful pieces called tesserae were created specifically for use in medallions. By using tesserae that were sometimes as small as a few millimeters, mosaic artists could create intricate works of art that often imitated actual paintings. Over the next several centuries, many different materials were put to use to create mosaics, many of which are still used today. This includes, but is not limited to, glass, stone, terracotta, brick, and ceramic or porcelain tiles.

Nowadays, mosaics are used in a variety of artistic ways. One of the most common uses of a tile mosaic is to create a central medallion or focus point in your flooring, such as the medallion shown to the left by Tile Productions. Whether you have installed hardwood, tile, stone, laminate, bamboo, or just about any other hard surface flooring, a mosaic tile medallion could add the perfect touch of art to your floor. Who knows? Maybe down the road your mosaics will become a treasured piece of history in your family.