Authentic Talavera from Mexico

Talavera Ceramic is mostly used to make utilitarian items such as plates, bowls, jars, flowerpots, sinks, religious items and decorative figures. However, a significant use of the ceramic is for Talavera Tiles.MH475a

Talavera was introduced to Mexico by Spanish guild artisans of the Colonial period. Known as “majolica” in Spain, Mexican Talavera draws its name from the 16th century Spanish pottery center, Talavera de la Reina, where imagination and persistence led to enormous strides in the world’s knowledge of fine ceramics. The tradition of Talavera production has struggled since the Mexican War of Independence in the early 19th century, during which the number of workshops were less than eight in the state of Puebla. Later efforts by artists and collectors revived the craft somewhat in the early 20th century and there are now significant collections of Talavera pottery in Puebla, Mexico City and New York City. Further efforts to preserve and promote the craft have occurred in the late 20th century, with the introduction of new, decorative designs and the passage of the Denominación de Origen de la Talavera law to protect authentic, Talavera pieces made with the original, 16th-century methods.

“Travel across Mexico, and you’ll see all sorts of signs of Spanish influence that date back to the colonial era. Architecture, of course, is chief among them—but there’s also talavera. More than 300 years later, the popular style endures. The colorful ceramics are found in the form of decorative tiles adorning buildings’ exterior and interior walls (one of the most spectacular examples is the Casa de los Azulejos in Mexico City), as well as in the form of Talavera Plates, bowls, and other serving dishes found in Mexican kitchens and on dining room tables.” – The Latin Kitchen

La Fuente Imports one of the largest selections of high-quality Authentic Talavera available online!

 

Article Source: http://www.lafuente.com/Blog/Authentic-Talavera-Pottery-from-Mexico/

Make a Statement with Talavera Tile

talavera_tile_pattern1Looking for way to spice up your home? Incorporate some Talavera Tile into your design mix. Colorful and festive, this vibrant tile is the perfect way to add an accent to any room. With origins rooted in the fair city of Puebla Mexico, making Talavera tile is a craft undertaken by skilled artisans and pottery craftsmen. They use various types of native clay that are indigenous to the area. This is a must in order for the tile to be unique and carry the name Talavera. The pieces are handcrafted using a potter’s wheel and sealed with glazes that contain lead and tin. Initially, only cobalt blue was used as a pigment. If you find some older pieces you will definitely notice this.  Cobalt Blue was the most expensive pigment making it highly desirable and sought after as a status symbol of prestige.

 

Eventually, other pigments made their way into the mix such as black, green, yellow, blue, mauve, and orange. No other colors are allowed since Talavera only uses those six colors. Each pigment has to be all natural as well. No artificial pigments whatsoever are allowed to be used if the tile wishes to be called Talavera. Yet, since they are made from all natural products, they can take a bit longer to produce. Some pieces take as long as three or four months to complete. This makes the pieces a bit more expensive than normal tile. However, you are paying for a hand crafted quality piece, and unique artisan design. It takes a true craftsman to understand Talavera. In fact, the rules are so strict that the only tile allowed to have the name Talavera are those that are purchased from an approved artisan workshop. This way the tiles authenticity and quality are without question.  talavera_tiles

La Fuente has partnered with some great Talavera providers to offer their vast collection of Talavera tile. If you are looking for quality pieces at more than reasonable prices, our Talavera collection is sure to delight.

Tips and Ideas for Using Talavera

If your kitchen back splash is looking a bit dull, use a few pieces to breathe some life into the space. Since there are five or six colors in each piece, you can usually find a connecting point no matter the color scheme in your kitchen. To add visual interest, try incorporating only three or four pieces into your back splash. To create a statement piece, cover your entire back splash with Talavera for an eye-popping colorful feast!

Talavera can be used outside as well. They are perfect for facing stairs since they will not get much direct use. It is not recommended that you use Talavera tile for walkways due to their delicate nature. These pieces are meant to be seen more so then used. Just make sure to keep that in mind. Walking on them could cause the tiles to crack or break. Beyond back splashes and floors, how about a few other ideas? Set a few pieces together, frame them, and stick them on your wall for a unique piece of art. If you have pieces that have been discarded after a project, turn them into makeshift coasters or trivets. There are so many possibilities that you will want to keep revisiting our Talavera tile for all your design needs.talavera_tile_border_1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Article Source: http://www.lafuente.com/Blog/Make-a-Statement-with-Talavera-Tile/

 

New Talavera Tile Designs for Fall

We’re keeping things fresh this Fall by adding nearly two dozen new Talavera Tile designs to our enormous online selection! Talavera tiles are handmade in Mexico and are perfect for your home if you enjoy rustic, bold and lively design.Talavera Tile Escamilla Azul Design

Are you thinking of completing a home renovation in the future? Incorporating beautiful handcrafted Talavera tiles is the perfect place to start! Authentic Talavera Tiles are both an eye-catching accent and durable for everyday use. By using dark colors and/or bold Talavera patterns, you’ll add dimension and a bit of fun to your bath or kitchen. The simple and special tile patterns form new geometric designs when combined, for example the corners of each tile creating a new middle piece. Solid color tiles are great for separating your patterns with blocks and patches of color. Any one of these new designs, Flor de Corazones, Romanesco, Cholula Mexicano or the Estrella de Fuego, would be beautiful combined with a solid tile.

As we discussed in our 5 Advantages of Decorating with Talavera Tile article, you’ll find Talavera Tile to be rustic, bold and beautiful. Talavera is perfect for those who want to redesign a kitchen or bathroom with a colorful theme. Each tile features both variances in color and imperfections in the finish. This is part of the appeal of Talavera tiles; they are meant to be imperfect and used in a rustic or southwestern setting.

Article Source: http://www.lafuente.com/Blog/New-Talavera-Tile-Designs-For-Fall/

Talavera Oval Serving Bowls for Holiday Entertaining

Authentic Talavera Oval Serving Bowls are perfect for creating a festive holiday this year! These festive bowls are a beautiful highlight to any Holiday dining table, buffet or serving area. Whether you’ll be serving up authentic Mexican recipes or a simple side dish – everything will be more special when served in Talavera.Oval Serving Bowl by Studio Tomas Huerta

Our Talavera serving bowls make a grand impression with their Southwest styling. Bowls are beautifully handcrafted and hand-painted by various studios, including the studio of Tomas Huerta. Each authentic piece is made in Puebla, Mexico and is 100% lead free; chip resistant; and microwave, oven, and dishwasher safe for years and years of durable enjoyment.

If dining use isn’t your intention, then consider using these pieces of art as decoration. The bowls will make a colorful addition to any room’s decor. For decoration purposes there is an eyelet on the back side of each Talavera Bowl for hanging on walls. Please remember that due to the handmade nature of Talavera, colors and design may vary slightly.

If you need a smaller serving bowl, then consider one of our stylish Talavera Fruit Bowls or our versatile Talavera Snack Trays.

La Fuente regularly stocks these pieces so that you can fill your holiday table with Mexican-style this season!

Article Source: http://www.lafuente.com/Blog/Talavera-Oval-Serving-Bowls-For-Holiday-Entertaining/

Talavera Figures for Day of the Dead Collectors

Talavera Figures are the perfect home accent for those who appreciate the old-world craftsmanship of Talavera pottery in a popular Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) design. You’ll find that each meticulously handmade Day of the Dead figure comes from Dolores Hidalgo, Mexico, and embodies all the colorful charm of Mexican Talavera which you love!Day of the Dead Donkey

Nearly two dozen high-quality Talavera Figures are readily available for purchase from our online store. If you’re enthralled with Catrinas, then you’re sure to find one to add to your collection today! Some of our personal favorites are the Day of the Dead Ballerina Figures which are available in two sizes. The large Ballerina’s feature an adjustable and removable head and stand over 21” tall. Each unique and vibrant figure is richly painted in classic Talavera motifs.

If a Day of the Dead Skull is more up your alley, then check out our three different high-quality Talavera Skulls. Each skull is festively decorated with butterflies or flowers and is the perfect size to display on a desk or bookshelf.

For those with a sense of humor, you may enjoy our Day of the Dead Donkey or Day of the Dead Chameleon. As with all of our Talavera selections, each figure is meticulously handmade for years and years of enjoyment. Since each figure is handmade, please keep in mind that colors and designs may vary slightly, which in our opinion just adds to the charm of your new collectible!

La Fuente offers one of the largest selections of Day of the Dead collectibles online. You’ll find Day of the Dead Figures Under $20, Paper Mache Figures, Day of the Dead Tiles and even T-Shirts and Home Accessories.

Article Source: http://www.lafuente.com/Blog/Talavera-Figures-For-Day-Of-The-Dead-Collectors/

 

Talavera Makes Unique Wall Art

If you’re a fan of Mexican art, especially acclaimed Talavera, then you’re going to fall in love with our unique Talavera wall art. Handmade pottery and fine ceramics are trademarks of Mexican craftsmanship, but no style is more sought after than Talavera, which is named after the Spanish city of Talavera de la Reina. This Mexican ceramic has gained worldwide acclaim for its high quality and beauty. The history of Talavera is as colorful as its various patterns!Special Edition Talavera Sun

Each piece of our Talavera wall art is made by skilled artisans outside of Dolores Hidalgo, Mexico, and personally chosen by the La Fuente team for its high quality and unique design. All pieces are perfect for hanging in either indoor and/or outdoor spaces.

La Fuente’s Special Edition Talavera Sun is available in five sizes and features vibrant, eye-catching colors! This Talavera Sun adds a touch of the Southwest to any decor. If you are in search of a mirror with bright character then you may fall head-over-heels for our 15″ Talavera Eclipse Mirror.

If the desert lifestyle speaks to your soul then a perfect accent is our Talavera Lizard. An eyelet located on the back of each lizard makes them perfect for hang anywhere in your hacienda!

As with all Handmade Talavera, due to the handmade nature the colors and design on each piece may vary slightly.

Article Source: http://www.lafuente.com/Blog/Talavera-Makes-Unique-Wall-Art/