Cosmati

The Cosmati were a Roman family, seven members of which, for four generations, were skillful architects, sculptors and workers in decorative geometric mosaic, mostly for church floors.

A unique form of classical mosaic, Cosmati is extraordinarily decorative, with swirling bands of intricate stone and glass and gilded mosaic contrasted with highly polished white marble. Often used for pavements, Cosmati also decorates architectural elements such as walls and columns.

Inspired by Byzantine mosaic, Cosmati was a technique exclusive to three generations of the Cosma family, working in Rome from the 12th Century. Central to Romanesque architecture, fine examples of their work can be seen throughout Italy…but are concentrated in Rome where they had the patronage of the Pope.

Suprisingly though, London is home to two exceptional Cosmati floors. In 1269, the newly appointed Abbott of Westminster travelled to Rome and was dazzled by the richness of the mosaics. Returning to England, he commissioned workmen and materials from Italy to create Cosmati pavements for Westminster Abbey. The masterpiece is the ’Great Pavement’ in front of the High Altar, completed in 1268.

Alba Verde Blu Cosmati

Beautifully crafted by hand, by artisans who have handed down this craft from father to son more..

Alba Verde Cosmati

Beautifully crafted by hand, by artisans who have handed down this craft from father to son more..

Astratto Cosmati

A modern and abstract take on the cosmati technique more..

Bussola Cosmati Tile

Cosmati tile made up of small pieces of rare marbles more..

Chequerboard Cosmati and Mosaic Panel - lightly aged

Beautifully crafted by hand, by artisans who have handed down this craft from father to son more..

Chequerboard Cosmati and Mosaic Panel - Very Aged

Beautifully crafted by hand, by artisans who have handed down this craft from father to son more..

Chequerboard Cosmati Panel with Red Jasper Keystone

Beautifully crafted by hand, by artisans who have handed down this craft from father to son more..

Denti di squali Cosmati

Beautifully crafted by hand, by artisans who have handed down this craft from father to son more..

Diamanti a scacchiera cosmati

Beautifully crafted by hand, by artisans who have handed down this craft from father to son more..

Fiore Tre Colori Cosmati

Beautifully crafted by hand, by artisans who have handed down this craft from father to son more..

Formula Uno Cosmati Pavement

Chequerboard square fragments set by hand - black and white marbles more..

Medievale

This extraordinary pavement comprises of Black Marble and White Pietra di Prun. more..

Nodo Cosmati Tile

Cosmati tile made up of small pieces of rare marbles more..

Ondulate Cosmati

Beautifully crafted by hand, by artisans who have handed down this craft from father to son more..

Quattro Angoli Cosmati Tile

Cosmati tile made up of small pieces of rare marbles more..

Scacchi Cosmati Tile

Cosmati tile made up of small pieces of rare marbles more..

Scintillante Cosmati

Beautifully crafted by hand, by artisans who have handed down this craft from father to son more..

Sole Cosmati Tile

Cosmati tile made up of small pieces of rare marbles. more..

Stella Cosmati Tile

Cosmati tile made up of small pieces of rare marbles more..

Trapunta Cosmati

Beautifully crafted by hand, by artisans who have handed down this craft from father to son more..

Vorticoso Cosmati Floor

Beautifully crafted by hand, by artisans who have handed down this craft from father to son more..