Manufacturing process

At Antratil, the manufacture of Zellige is a meticulous, traditional process, preserving the authenticity and quality of this emblematic Moroccan handcrafted material. Our commitment to artisanal excellence is reflected in every step of the manufacturing process, where ancestral know-how is meticulously handed down from generation to generation.

From earth to form

Extraction and preparation

The clay is harvested from quarries in Fez, then mixed and refined in large basins for 48 hours.

Molding and drying

The clay paste is then shaped into rectangles 10 cm x 20 cm using wooden molds. These clay bricks then dry in the sun in the sun for several days.

Precise cutting

Once dry, the bricks are cut by hand into two distinct formats: 5 cm x 15 cm for terracotta and 10 cm x 10 cm for zellige, the basis of all mosaics.

Cooking and processing

Drying and double baking

The clay forms are dried a second time in the shade a second time in the shade before being fired at low temperature, then at high high temperature to remove all moisture. This process takes several weeks.

Enamelling and colors

Ancestral technique

Enameling is done by hand, using traditional techniques handed down from generation to generation. generation.

Secondary baking and diversity

Once glazed, the tiles are stacked and fired a second time in a traditional kiln, creating a variety of colors and textures.

From form to art

Final cut

The glazed tiles are then cut into specific shapes from simple squares to complex geometric patterns.

Custom design

The final stage consists of assembling the mosaics according to the customer's wishes, interlocked or custom-mounted to create unique works of art