[Azulejo]

Azulejos, blue and white tiles, are the symbolic decoration of Portugal. Azulejos are everywhere in Portugal, in churches, train stations, and on the walls of houses, and that dreamy scene is still unforgettable.

Although the word azulejo has the meaning of "blue" in its etymology, historically speaking, azulejos are not only blue, but are also multicolored, and in Portugal, all tiles are called azulejos. The history of azulejos dates back to the 13th century, when the Moorish (Muslim) people introduced tile-making techniques to Andalusia, Spain, and the custom of decorating buildings with ceramic tiles took root. Portugal and Spain, where azulejos were born, were once under Muslim rule, and were therefore heavily influenced by Arabic culture in culture and art.

In the 15th century, azulejos were introduced to Portugal, and the "carpet style" of azulejos, which were simple and followed the same pattern in blue or blue and yellow, became popular. In the 17th century, Dutch ceramics influenced by Japanese Kuresu ware and Chinese blue-and-white ceramics became popular, and for the first time painted in all blue became the predominant color. In the 18th century, colorful colors again became the norm, and paintings became more intricate and seamless.

In the 19th century, industrial tiles were cheaper, and azulejos began to be applied to the walls of streets, train stations, and houses. While mass-produced azulejos increased, Portuguese tile artisans' skills became more refined, resulting in many hand-painted artistic creations. Because azulejos were an expression of the Portuguese people's aesthetic sense and cultural interests, they have been carefully passed down to the present as a handicraft, changing color and design according to the historical context of the time.

I visited Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, and from the moment I arrived at the airport, the souvenir shops were filled with azulejo motifs and ceramics, and from the bus heading into town, I saw architecture decorated with azulejos of various colors and patterns one after another. I was so shocked by the beauty of the azulejos and the fact that in Portugal, you can appreciate azulejos just by walking around. I have fond memories of getting so excited on the tram that I ended up with a nosebleed, all because I had never even heard of azulejos before arriving in Portugal.

If I had to recommend one spot in particular, I would say "Miradouro de Santa Luzia." When I saw the shining blue waters of the Tagus River, the orange-roofed streets of Lisbon, bougainvillea in full bloom, and azulejos all in one view, I couldn't help but feel that this is what paradise would be like if there were such a place. I think it is hard to find a place where the entire city is like a craftwork. If I ever get the chance to visit Portugal again, I would like to walk around the city and enjoy the azulejos with a good knowledge of the different periods and characteristics of azulejos.

Miradouro de Santa Luzia
https://maps.app.goo.gl/rCVBaBEJEGdHgYe7A

References
https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%82%A2%E3%82%BA%E3%83%AC%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B8%E3%83%A7
https://irohani.art/study/13119/#:~:text=%E3%82%A2%E3%82%BA%E3%83%AC%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B8%E3%83%A7%E3%81%AF%E9%87%89%E8%96%AC%E3%82%92%E3%82%BF%E3%82%A4%E3%83%AB,%E8%B7%A1%E3%81%8C%E6%AE%8B%E3%82%8A%E3%81%BE%E3%81%9B%E3%82%93%E3%80%82
https://www.az-tileshop.com/aboutazulejo.html
https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/otekomachi/20191121-OKT8T184598/
https://www.asahi.com/and/article/20211208/411480850/