California

CaliforniaHand Crafted Tile Collections

Relieved tile made the traditional way — a raised cuerda seca line drawn by hand to hold each glaze in its own field, then painted and fired in Mexico. Soft earthy tones, real relief you can read with a thumb, and colour that shifts from piece to piece.

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Jacinto set as a full range wall, framed by a vaulted plaster hood.

The Story Behind California

Traditional Mexican craft, a surface with real relief.

Cuerda seca — dry cord — is the technique behind every tile in this collection. A raised line is drawn to separate the glazes, colour is brushed in by hand, and the fire fuses the two. The line survives the kiln, so the finished pattern sits proud of the field, catching light along one edge and holding shadow along the other.

These are the patterns that gave 1930s California its arches, its risers and its courtyards, still made the same way by workshops that never stopped. Available in 2x2, 4x4 and 6x6, California is at its best on range walls, stair risers, fireplace surrounds, wainscot bands and arch surrounds — and because it is sold by the piece, a small count carries a room without covering it.

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Common Questions

California, answered.

What makes California different?

It is made in Mexico using cuerda seca, a traditional method in which a raised line keeps each glaze in its own field during firing. That line survives the kiln, so the tile carries genuine relief rather than a printed pattern — and each piece holds its own colour depth and edge. That variation is the defining character of the tile, not a flaw.

Are these tiles really handmade?

Yes. Every piece is hand-formed and hand-painted before firing. The raised cuerda seca line is drawn by hand, and the colour is brushed into each field individually — which is why no two tiles read exactly alike.

What sizes are available?

2x2, 4x4 and 6x6 in a gloss glaze, with availability varying by pattern. Sizes are nominal, as with all handmade tile — a 4x4 runs closer to 4.25 x 4.25 — so lay out from measured pieces rather than the call-out.

How is California sold?

By the piece. California is a decorative tile, so it is priced and shipped per piece — which lets you order the exact count a border, riser or panel needs rather than rounding up to a case.

Do the patterns build into a larger motif?

Many do. Set as a nine-piece repeat, a number of these patterns resolve into one larger figure across the field rather than reading as separate tiles. Contact us for the layout concept before you finalise quantity.

Where can California be used?

Range walls and backsplashes, stair risers, fireplace surrounds, wainscot bands, shower niches, and arch or doorway surrounds. It suits interiors and sheltered exteriors in mild climates, but is not rated for freeze-thaw regions or submerged applications such as pool interiors and fountain basins.

How much variation should I expect?

Expect meaningful variation. Tone, glaze and edge shift from tile to tile and between batches. Order your full quantity together with a little extra for cuts and selection, and view a sample in your own lighting first — a screen flattens exactly the quality you are buying.

How do I order a sample?

Order samples from the products below and experience the glaze in your own light. For trade pricing, quantity estimates or help choosing among the patterns, contact sales@alexanderjames.shop.

The Collection