Smalti and gold, cut with hammer and hardie and set by hand. Murals, portraits and pool mosaics from our own studio, shipped nationwide.
The technique, in the studio
Hammer and hardie — the steel blade set into a log that every tessera is cut against.
A face taking shape, with the reference painting behind and the glass sorted by tone.
Gold-leaf tesserae in the border, set at slight angles to catch the light.
A finished portrait in luminous smalti.
Setting tesserae by hand, working from the reference.
Byzantine mosaic is the oldest and most refined tradition in mosaic art — and the foundation of everything we do at Mosaiclegs Art Studio. For over 25 years, our studio has preserved and practiced the ancient techniques of Byzantine mosaic making, bringing this timeless craft to luxury pools, architectural murals, and private commissions nationwide.
What Is Byzantine Mosaic?
Byzantine mosaic originated in the Eastern Roman Empire between the 4th and 15th centuries. The defining characteristics of Byzantine mosaic are the use of smalti glass, set slightly off-angle to catch and reflect light. The result is the luminous, shimmering quality seen in the great mosaics of Ravenna, Istanbul, and Venice. Unlike modern tile installations, Byzantine mosaics are living surfaces — they change with the light, the time of day, and the angle of view.
The Byzantine Technique
Hand-cut tesserae — Every piece of glass is cut by hand using a hammer and hardie, a steel blade set into a log. The cut creates an irregular edge that catches light differently than a factory-made tile.
Off-angle setting — Tesserae are set at slightly varying angles rather than flat. This deliberate irregularity is what creates the vibrating, luminous quality of Byzantine mosaics.
Opus vermiculatum — Tesserae are laid along the contour of each figure rather than in straight rows. That is what gives Byzantine work its depth and its sense of movement.
Smalti glass — The material of choice for Byzantine work, smalti contains mineral oxides that produce over 1,000 permanent colors. Gold and silver leaf tesserae create the shimmering grounds seen in historic church interiors.
Direct and indirect methods — Large-scale Byzantine mosaics are assembled using the indirect method — built face-down on paper in the studio, then transferred to the wall or floor in sections. Smaller works are set directly onto the substrate.
Byzantine work from the studio
Commissions in the technique, from a public mural to private panels.
San Diego International Airport · smalti, vitreous glass and marble
Religious scene · John 8:7
Knossos dolphins · smalti figures on marble
Van Gogh, Afternoon Rest · smalti wall art
What we build in this technique
Our studio preserves these ancient techniques while applying them to contemporary luxury applications — pool medallions, architectural murals, estate feature walls, and public art installations. Our work includes a large-scale public mosaic at San Diego International Airport and pool projects for private estates throughout Southern California, Texas, Arizona, and internationally.
Pool environments demand materials that can withstand permanent water exposure, UV light, and chemical treatment. Byzantine smalti glass meets all of these requirements — it is non-porous, fade-proof, and rated for pool installation. A Byzantine pool medallion or all-tile mosaic pool is not just a design choice — it is a permanent installation that will outlast the structure it is set in.
Every Byzantine mosaic we create is entirely handmade. No digital cutting, no robotic assembly, no shortcuts. The same craft practiced in Constantinople in the 6th century — in our studio today.
The finished mural in its gold vine border — hand-cut smalti throughout.
Questions
What is Byzantine mosaic art?
Mosaic in the tradition of the Eastern Roman Empire: smalti glass and gold leaf, cut by hand and set slightly off-angle so the surface catches the light.
What is smalti?
Smalti is opaque hand-poured glass, hand-cut into irregular tesserae. It is the material of choice for Byzantine work.
Can a Byzantine mosaic go in a pool?
Yes. Byzantine smalti glass is non-porous, fade-proof, and rated for pool installation.
Do you install?
We fabricate in numbered, paper-faced sections and ship nationwide. Setting is by your own tile contractor.
How much does a Byzantine mosaic cost?
Every commission is priced to its design and size.
Starting a Byzantine commission
Whether you’re designing a luxury pool, a hotel lobby, a place of worship, or a private residence — Byzantine mosaic brings a level of artistry and permanence that no other medium can match. We fabricate in numbered, paper-faced sections and ship nationwide — setting is by your own tile contractor. Recent work includes San Diego International Airport and private estates in Texas and Arizona.
Call us: (323) 389‑5347 or request a consultation here.
See also our religious mosaic artwork, the Knossos recreation, and the full portfolio.
Byzantine glass outdoors. Smalti has been on building exteriors since the Byzantine era itself. Why it lasts, and what actually fails in an exterior or submerged installation.
Ready to start your Byzantine mosaic project?
Begin your commission
Send the details of your project, or call (323) 389-5347. Studio hours are Monday to Saturday, 8am to 3pm Pacific.