greca

Greca is a decorative motif formed by a continuous line that doubles back on itself at right angles to create a repeating geometric pattern, commonly called the Greek key or meander in English. The motif is strongly associated with ancient Greek and Roman art, appearing on pottery, ceramic friezes, mosaics, capitals, and architectural borders. It has earlier precedents in Near Eastern ornament, and its use spread across the Mediterranean and into Europe during antiquity and the classical revival.

In Portuguese and Spanish, the motif is known as greca and is widely used in tilework, textiles, and architectural borders, particularly in azulejos and other wall decorations. The name derives from its association with Greek ornamentation.

Greca patterns range from a single meander line to double meander or more complex variants, with straight, angular corners or curved variants. The motif is often employed as a border rather than a central field, and it is adaptable to different scales and materials, from painted murals to ceramic tiles and metalwork.

In modern design, greca remains popular as a versatile decorative element and appears in architecture, graphic design, and textiles with updated proportions or interlacing lines. It is valued for its geometric regularity and historical resonance, and is sometimes interpreted as a symbol of continuity or infinity due to its unbroken loop.