Eastern Expression: Henna

Eastern Expression is OUTERclé’s collection of artisan-quality glazed terracotta tile, bringing a world of narrative expression to walls outdoors (as well as indoors). Freeze-thaw rated, it’s ideal for almost any climate.

While Eastern Expression: Tempera is all about color, Eastern Expression: Henna is a decorative tile that features subtle, tone-on-tone shading with delicate patterning that’s subtle and nuanced with a distinctly pre-patinated feel…

Bohemian tiles in a beige and black pattern on a wall by a wood door.

Eastern Expression: Henna. Corak, Petit in Brun + Barcelos Black

Bohemian Romance

With an easy-going, slightly bohemian, rough-hewn vibe, it’s the more primitive, weathered-looking, organic cousin to more traditional Delft and maiolica tile. The collection’s brown, tan, and neutral coloring is also easier to incorporate into a wide range of schemes than traditional blue and white Delft tile. It’s also more accessibly priced.

A parchment colored tile with a vine-like design with an ink drawing style.

Eastern Expression: Henna. Buddha's Branch Petite in Brun + Barcelos Black

Delicate (looking)… but durable

With 3 glazes (Brun with patterns in Barcelos Black, and more creamy Claire with Barcelos Black and Barvelos Blue), it comes in 13 patterns (ranging from simple Petit Corak and Buddha’s Branch to more complex Secret Mehendi and Karang Cloth). With a mood drawn from Southeast Asian traditions, it's an essential building block of a LOTUS scape, but equally welcome in MANOR, LOGGIA, MISSION, or MAROC. That’s not surprising given the storied colonial and trading history of Southeast Asia, where Chinese, colonial French, and Dutch motifs first intermingled with and then wove themselves into domestic traditions.

Despite its delicate patterning, the tile is versatile, and durable. Use UV-resistant, freeze-rated Eastern Expression: Henna on walls (but not floors or walkways), backsplashes, and firepit surrounds to create a mood the epitome of elevated ease.

Like its Dutch cousin, the collection allows you to mix and match patterns and glazes for a more personal presentation, even incorporating field tiles for the occasional visual pause.

Natural, authentic, artisan, exotic, romantic. Along with the wonderfully complex traditional henna designs, think classic Southeast Asian traditions such as batik and ikat.