Portuguese Azulejo: A Transcultural Odessey of the East and the West

Abstract

This research focuses on the art of Portuguese azulejo. Originating in Moorish Andalusia during the medieval period, azulejo manifests as architectural ornamentation, tiled murals, and various forms of decorative painting. Their transmission to Portugal led to the development of uniquely Portuguese tiled panel artistry. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, East-West cultural exchanges resulted in the integration of Chinese blue and white porcelain artistry into Portuguese azulejo, impacting their colors, styles, and aesthetics. To this day, Portuguese azulejo artistry stands as a cultural heritage and a national cultural symbol. Therefore, the history of azulejo is indeed a transcultural history of art.