Tessera

By Crusader1307

''Tessera'' is the name given to the small and individual pieces of Medium used in the construction of the previously discussed Mosaic Art Form. As we have seen, many hundreds to thousands of such components are needed to construct a specific piece. The oldest examples are dated to the 3^rd Century BC – in Iran. Formed from natural colored pebbles of stone, Tessera were polished and shaped – although exact shaping was unimportant initially. Later, in Ancient Greece, such Medium was cut (finely chiseled) from limestone and Marble. Color was created through organic means (plant and flower dyes), and used to stain the pieces. When smelting of Glass was used (later), often Gold or Silver Metal was infused (in some cases). This was important with regards to various Religious pieces. With often low level light inside many Temples and Churches – the infused Tessera actually helped to create a form of illumination to the eye. Still a form of Craft, many Mosaic Artists (and related Conservationists), often employ traditional tools and production styles to create or repair such Art.