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History
A XVI Century Tradition
Glazed earthenware is of Saracen origin; the Arabs introduced it to Persia and Egypt and later took it
to Morocco; the Moorish brought it to Spain. From there it spread to Italy, France, Holland, Germany
and England. The technique to produce white earthenware and tiles, later to be called Talavera, was
brought to Puebla by Spaniards from the region of Talavera de la Reina in the province of Toledo.
It is probably the oldest uninterruptedly produced craft in the Americas.
During the XVI and XVII centuries, Talavera pieces were decorated with the traditional white
and cobalt blue colors, enriched by the influence of Chinese, Arabic, Spanish and indigenous
designs (see below). Original forms included dishes, bowls, jars and religious figures. Green,
orange and yellow were added during the XVII century. In the XVIII century production diversified
to include tile, which wealthy people acquired to decorate walls, domes and facades,
still visible in many baroque buildings in Puebla.
Influences
The development of Talavera has been enriched through time by the diverse cultures to which it has been
related, such as the: Moorish, Spanish, Asiatic, and Mexican.
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Moorish Influence
It is well known that the Arabs were established in Spain for eight centuries.
Their artistic influence was felt notably. In ceramics, the decoration based on blue adornments on a white background
is the most characteristic example. The impact of this influence was transported overseas between 1575 and 1700.
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Spanish Influence
Curiously, this influence has its origins in Italian Ceramics. Francisco
Niculoso, known as the Pisanelo, was the most important propagator in the Spain of the XVI century of the Italian
renaissance style. It is believed that thanks to him, the palette of ceramic artisans was enlarged to include green,
black, orange, light and dark yellow. The additions allowed for new tonalities. Influence was first felt in Mexico
starting in the early XVII century.
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Asiatic Influence
The principal source of this influence was the merchandise transported on the Nao of China and Galeón
of Manila that came from the Philippines. The goods carried by these ships arrived at the port of Acapulco
and were moved to Veracruz, across central Mexico, by mule, where they were routed to Spain. A considerable
amount of the merchandise was kept in Mexico, its designs and forms being copied by local artisans.
The Urn, a typical Oriental form, was quickly accepted by the local market. The most characteristic designs
include people with oriental features, floral motifs and diverse animals. This influence took place between 1650 and 1790.
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Mexican Influence
The Mexican or Hispano Poblano style, is the product of the fusion of styles and influences that had
inspired the different Talavera decorations until the 1800's. The feather-like ornament typically related to
the Talavera, for example, is a variation of the oriental technique to fill empty spaces with floral decorations.
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