The team at Motawi Tileworks is passionate about making great tile while spreading positivity, and sharing the Motawi experience. The company was founded in 1992 by Nawal Motawi, who started making tiles in her garage and selling them at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market next to the rutabaga sellers. More than 30 employees now make tiles in a 12,900 square foot studio. Their team utilizes Toyota Style Production thinking and methodology and strive to cultivate positivity, constant improvement, and high quality tile. Nawal’s motto: It’s fun to be good! (at what you do)
Motawi polychrome tiles are striking individual art pieces as much as functional tile installation accents. We’re told that our tiles will give you serious cred in gift-giving circles. And each one is made by hand and with heart in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Motwawi embraces variation and handmade beauty. The bold heft of each Motawi tile reveals serious craftsmanship. And their time-honored hand-glazing methods produce a nuanced range of color with depth and translucence.
Pine Forest is a fresh interpretation of our beloved Pine Landscape series, which was originally inspired by Addison LeBoutillier’s 1906 Grueby Faience design, Pines. With its cleaner, crisper line work, Pine Forest reflects the refined aesthetic that defines Motawi today—sharp, intentional, and richly detailed. It’s a quiet tribute to nature’s grandeur, now with a
All flair, no frills—our Rose-Breasted Grosbeak tile spotlights the star of Charley Harper’s 1959 Ford Times illustration in all his geometric glory. Originally part of the rare American Bird Architects series, Harper’s full artwork features this dashing dad hard at work: nest-building, chick-feeding, and hauling home the occasional potato bug. For our
All flair, no frills—our Rose-Breasted Grosbeak tile spotlights the star of Charley Harper’s 1959 Ford Times illustration in all his geometric glory. Originally part of the rare American Bird Architects series, Harper’s full artwork features this dashing dad hard at work: nest-building, chick-feeding, and hauling home the occasional potato bug. For our
Bold, proud, and brimming with personality—this Rooster tile has enough charm to wake up any space. Inspired by the work of German graphic artist Carl Ernst Hinkefuss (1881-1970), this eye-catching design captures the charm and energy of a barnyard icon in Motawi’s signature raised-line technique. With its rich colors and sculptural detail,
Bold, proud, and brimming with personality—this Rooster tile has enough charm to wake up any space. Inspired by the work of German graphic artist Carl Ernst Hinkefuss (1881-1970), this eye-catching design captures the charm and energy of a barnyard icon in Motawi’s signature raised-line technique. With its rich colors and sculptural detail,
Mid-century modern meets Motawi mastery in these tiles based on the work of celebrated wildlife artist Charley Harper (1922-2007), a self-described “minimal realist.” This friendly 4×8 feline is based on Charley Harper’s stylized midcentury design. Motawi tiles are striking art pieces and installation accents. Each tile is made by hand
Mid-century modern meets Motawi mastery in these tiles based on the work of celebrated wildlife artist Charley Harper (1922-2007), a self-described “minimal realist.” Based on Charley Harper’s original piece, “Zoo Babies,” Giraffe & a Half captures a tender moment between mother and child. Motawi tiles are striking art pieces and
“A bird in the hand is worth two…” Mid-century modern meets Motawi mastery in these tiles based on the work of celebrated wildlife artist Charley Harper (1922-2007), a self-described “minimal realist.” Motawi’s best-selling Charley Harper tile. “Upside Downside” is taken from the lithograph of the same name. Motawi tiles are
A favorite motif of Charley Harper, this charming little fawn showcases Harper’s signature “minimal realism” style. Motawi tiles are striking art pieces and installation accents. Each tile is made by hand and with heart in Ann Arbor, Michigan. We embrace variation and handmade beauty: Our time-honored methods produce a nuanced
The Charley Harper Minis feature the whimsical wildlife images of artist Charley Harper. Midcentury modern meets Motawi mastery in this charming series of 3×3 art tiles. Actual Tile Size: Approximately 2 7/8” x 2 7/8”. As each Motawi tile is crafted by hand, dimensions may vary slightly by up to 1/16″.
Midcentury modern meets Motawi mastery in this serene scene by Charley Harper. Motawi tiles are striking art pieces and installation accents. Each tile is made by hand and with heart in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Motwai embraces variation and handmade beauty: their time-honored methods produce a nuanced range of color with
6×8 Titmouse Tidbit is based on the original piece by celebrated wildlife artist Charley Harper. This cheery scene depicts a determined titmouse’s stages of motion as he reaches for a highly coveted seed. It is one of many Motawi art tiles resulting from a fun and fruitful collaboration with the
