Tessellation is the process of creating a two-dimensional plane using the repetition of a geometric shape with no overlaps and no gaps. Generalizations to higher dimensions are also possible. Tessellations frequently appeared in the art of M. C. Escher, who was inspired by studying the Moorish use of symmetry in the Alhambra tiles during a visit in 1922. Tessellations are seen throughout art history, from ancient architecture to modern art.
In Latin, tessella is a small cubical piece of clay, stone or glass used to make mosaics. The word "tessella" means "small square" (from "tessera", square, which in its turn is from the Greek word for "four"). It corresponds with the everyday term tiling which refers to applications of tessellations, often made of glazed clay. Examples of tessellations in the real world include honeycombs and pavement tilings (see pictures at the right).
Read more about Tessellation: History, Tessellations and Computer Models, Wallpaper Groups, Tessellations and Color, Tessellations With Quadrilaterals, Regular and Semi-regular Tessellations, Self-dual Tessellations, In Nature, Number of Sides of A Polygon Versus Number of Sides At A Vertex