Not all “Talavera” is created equal! With the ever-expanding growth of fake Talavera for sale in retail and online stores, make sure you are educated before investing in Talavera Plates, Pottery or Planters. Many large well-known retailers are jumping on the Talavera bandwagon and are marketing “Talavera” that is actually made of melamine (aka plastic).
All pieces of Talavera is the most outstanding of Mexico’s pottery traditions. Only natural clays are used, rather than chemically treated and dyed clays and the handcrafting process can take up to three to four months. The process is risky because a piece can break at any point. This makes Talavera three times more costly than other types of pottery. Today, only pieces made by designated areas and from workshops that have been certified are permitted to call their work “Talavera.”
Most of the Talavera Pottery offered in our online store, including all plates, platters, and place settings, is made by hand in Puebla, Mexico, and is 100% lead-free. The detail is outstanding, and due to the kiln’s high firing temperature all our Talavera dishware is also crack and chip resistant. Other items, including our Talavera Sinks, canisters, planters, and fruit bowls, come from the historic city of Dolores Hidalgo.
Article source: Wikipedia