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The rissêu

The Rissêu: Art and Tradition in Ligurian Floors

The rissêu represents a unique and traditional art form in Ligurian paving, characterized by the use of natural pebbles collected along the coasts or in streams, arranged to form decorative mosaics of great beauty and symbolic meaning.

Materials and Variations

The pebbles used include various minerals such as marble, basalt, jasper, and ophiolite, which offer a wide range of colors and shades, from orange to black, from white to gray. This diversity allows you to create complex and detailed designs.

Dimensions of the Pebbles: They range from the smallest, less than 3 centimeters, which allow for particularly detailed decorations, up to those of 9 centimeters, which characterize larger-sized mosaics.

Creation Process

The process for creating a rissêu is similar to that used for a fresco:

Preparation of the Cartoon: We start with a preparatory cartoon where the desired motif is drawn. Along the contours of the figures, holes are drilled.
Application of Pebbles: Cardboard is placed on the surface to be decorated and powder (such as chalk) is beaten through the holes, leaving an indication of the design on the prepared ground.
Positioning of the Pebbles: The pebbles are positioned following the drawn contours, starting from the edges and then filling the different color areas. Pebbles of the same color can be combined to obtain particular chromatic effects.
Consolidation: After positioning, the pebbles are beaten, sprinkled with sand and wet to ensure that the sand penetrates between one pebble and another, consolidating the entire flooring.
Details and Finish: Frames with bricks or stones are often created around the rissêu to improve its seal and create further decorative effects.

Decorative Motifs and Symbolism

The decorative motifs of the rissêu are rich in symbolism and often reflect specific requests of the clients:

Flower: Symbol of hope, often repeated in decorative modules, sometimes in a cruciform shape.
Cross: Inserted in complex geometric decorations.
Stars: They recall Christ or the Virgin Mary, or have profane meanings linked to the sea.
Religious Symbols: Such as the monogram of Mary or the trigram of Christ, present in many compositions.

Use and Meaning

Rissêu are not limited to churchyards, but have also been used in urban and private spaces, including noble palaces. Each rissêu is a unique work, reflecting the creativity of the rissêu and satisfying the aesthetic and symbolic needs of the clients.

Historical Continuity and Modernity

The tradition of rissêu dates back to at least 1700 and continues today, demonstrating its vitality and role in urban and architectural ornamentation. These mosaics not only decorate, but also define the space, guiding believers towards places of meditation and emphasizing the entrance of churches.

In conclusion, the rissêu represents an extraordinary example of how natural materials and artistic creativity can combine to create functional and aesthetically suggestive works of art, testifying to the profound connection between culture, history and architecture in Ligurian communities.

Sources

Ballabio M., “Il Rissêu”, in Mammola R. (a c. di), “Prïe de mâ. La Liguria dei Rissêu da Portofino a Moneglia”, Chiavari, HiroandCo – Edizioni Private, 2017

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