mozaiki

Mozaiki is a decorative art form that uses small pieces, or tesserae, to create images or patterns. The tesserae can be cut from glass, ceramic, stone, or metal and are set into a mortar or plaster base, then grouted to secure them. The finished surface can be flat or slightly relief, and it is used on floors, walls, ceilings, as well as in public art, furniture, and architectural details.

The history of mozaiki spans many cultures. Early pebble and tessera mosaics appeared in the ancient Near East and the Aegean, dating back to the third millennium BCE. In classical Greece and later Rome, mosaics became highly developed, with complex geometric and figurative programs. The Byzantine tradition popularized large-scale religious mosaics, often using gold tesserae to create luminous interiors. Islamic art contributed intricate geometric tiling and arabesques, emphasizing repetition and color. In Europe, mosaic techniques persisted through medieval and modern periods, adapting to churches, palaces, and secular architecture.

Techniques and materials vary. Roman and Byzantine practices included opus tessellatum (smaller tesserae) and opus sectile (larger, cut pieces). Micro mosaics use very small tesserae for detailed imagery, and contemporary work often mixes traditional methods with new materials, such as recycled glass or large-format tesserae. Conservation and restoration require careful work to stabilize substrates, replace missing tesserae, and reattach loose sections without altering the original appearance.

In modern times, mozaiki remains a versatile medium in architecture and art. It is used for public murals, interior decoration, and outdoor installations, blending historical craft with contemporary design and fabrication techniques.