Decorative Bricks and Their Types
Decorative bricks, also known as ornamental bricks, are a versatile and aesthetically pleasing building material used to enhance the visual appeal of both interior and exterior spaces. These bricks are available in a variety of designs, colors, and textures, allowing architects and designers to create unique and artistic effects in their projects.Decorative bricks are not only valued for their beauty but also for their durability and ability to blend traditional and modern styles seamlessly. There are several types of decorative bricks, each suited for specific applications, such as wall cladding, façade embellishments, and interior design features.
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About Decorative Bricks and Their Types
In this article, we’ll explain more about decorative bricks and their types:
Pressed and Smoothed Bricks (Vakoub & Abmal Bricks):
To create smooth bricks for facades, the semi-dry clay bricks, freshly removed from wooden molds, were pressed with a trowel to compact them. Then, the surface was smoothed by hand, with the hand dipped in water to achieve an even finish.An ancient example of this brickwork technique can be observed in the facade bricks of the Gonbad-e Qabus monument.(Rooted bricks are a type of pressed brick.)
Pre-Shaped Bricks (Pish Bar Bricks):
Based on prepared designs and specific measurements, semi-dry clay bricks were cut into the desired shapes using a wire or knife near the construction site. After fully drying, these bricks were fired in the kiln.Pre-shaped bricks are made in two surface types: plain and patterned. They are available in two main categories:
- Brick
- Clay brick (Sofal)
This type of brickwork allowed for the creation of unique and intricate designs, particularly suited for decorative and architectural purposes.
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Stamped Bricks (brick- Mehri)
Stamped bricks involve creating patterns on bricks, either as raised (embossed) or sunken (engraved) designs. In some cases, these patterns were crafted manually, but in most instances, they were made using molds. From the 4th century CE, examples of patterned clay bricks have been found in the remains of Siraf. These bricks come in a variety of shapes, including diamond, almond, star, and cross forms.During the Seljuk period, embossed and perforated bricks with geometric patterns and knotwork designs in square and rectangular shapes were discovered in the Jameh Mosque of Gonabad. Additionally, at the Maragheh Observatory, two rectangular bricks were found featuring floral motifs in an Islamic arabesque style. When placed together, these two bricks form the design of an arched mihrab. This unique style of sunken patterns was previously unknown in the art of Iranian brickmaking.
Carved Bricks (brick- Tarash)
In Iran, brick fragments of various sizes, ranging from the smallest pieces to nearly full-sized bricks, have been widely used. Brick carvers would prepare these fragments on-site using chisels. This technique dates back to the Seljuk period and reached its peak during the Safavid era.In earlier times, brick carving was primarily done on square bricks, but with the introduction of rectangular Kazakh bricks, the focus shifted to carving these newer shapes. As a result, examples of carved square bricks became increasingly rare.This evolution in brick carving reflects the adaptability and innovation of Iranian artisans over centuries, blending functionality with artistic expression.
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Molded and Carved Decorative Bricks
These types of decorative bricks, used in various geometric and non-geometric shapes, are characteristic of the Qajar era. They were commonly applied in facades and different architectural elements such as column bases, capitals, borders, and more. These bricks were produced both with and without patterns. During the Qajar period, they were crafted by pressing clay into molds to create various shapes, and any excess material was removed using a chisel, similar to the method used for carved bricks.There were different types of these bricks, each designed for a specific purpose and location within a structure, and each had its own unique name based on its use and design.
Water-Polished Bricks (Abrasive Bricks)
Water-polished bricks are bricks that, after being carved, are soaked in water. Their edges are then smoothed using fine sand, clay, or ochre.This method enhances the appearance of the facade, giving it a polished and refined look, but it also reduces the strength of the brick.This technique became popular after the Safavid era, with notable examples found in the Dome of Soltaniyeh.
