The seven-color tile
history:
The history of using Haftrang tile, which is one of the most widely used types of traditional tiles today, goes back to the late Timurid period and the early Safavid period. The high speed of seven-color tile production spread the use of this type of tile in development projects in the Safavid period. Many examples of seven-color tiles can be seen in historical and contemporary buildings such as mosques, schools, caravanserais and houses.
Patterns and Designs:
The designs used in the seven-color tile are similar to the designs used in the mosaic tile. These designs include slime and khatai designs, inspired by plant and abstract elements, and text-based designs. To write text-oriented designs, all kinds of fonts like Tholt, Kufi, Nastaliq, etc. are used.
Production:
In the past, the molded tiles were first given a white or semi-transparent glaze and fired in the oven. Also, they drew the desired pattern and design on parchment paper, and pierced the design lines with a needle. Then, with the help of colored and dry powder like charcoal, the drawn design was transferred on the baked tiles spread on the ground. In the next step, with the help of a pen and Mengz oxide, the pattern transferred to the tiles was drawn with a pen to define the border between the colors of the glazes, and make them stand out a little. Then, they painted the tiles with different glazes. Finally, the glazes were fired in the kiln, ready to be installed. Today, the seven-color tile production process has been accelerated by using the industrial tile body for biscuit, and the rail kiln or shuttle kiln for firing the glaze.
Application:
The seven-color tile is much less thick than the marble tile. In addition, the back is completely flat and does not allow for a scope. These features increase the possibility of tile separation from mortar in external walls that are subject to temperature changes, and curved surfaces such as domes, garlands, and roofs. On the other hand, the use of seven-color tiles in interior spaces and flat surfaces is increasing day by day. The main reason is the economic efficiency, the high speed of the production process, and the less limitations of the seven-color tile design compared to the mosaic tile.