Gene Turangan was kind enough to send me some photos of his workshop in Indonesia. He makes Moroccan-style mosaic tables and vanities using his own technique.

His team uses monochromatic, unglazed floor tiles which cut into furmah, the traditional shapes. He uses fiber cement for outdoor tables or medium density fiber for indoor tables as the base.

This technique results in quicker production and a smoother, lighter table top as no cement or iron are required.

The fact his work doesn’t require iron edging means he can use other materials, such as the following designs which are trimmed with wood.

His inspiration? One book: “Arabesques” by Jean-Mark Castera; isbn 2-86770-124-4. Gene notes while Castera writes “Moroccan zillij craftsman have nothing to fear about sharing their technique.The materials,tools and tiles made elsewhere are impossible to cut.” He “was lucky to have created zillij mosaics 3 years before reading this book. My techniques are simple and don’t require any particular expertise. Geometric patterns are mathematics, either in Africa or anyplace in the world. The result should be the same.”

Unfortunately, his products are not yet available for sale online. Perhaps something we can look forward to in the future? His workshop is in Indonesia and he sells locally or through trade shows. For now, perhaps his work will inspire you to start a project all your own.

You can contact Gene via email at turangan at gmail.com.