Authentic Mexican Talavera

Hand-Painted Talavera Pottery

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ThMexican Talavera Potterye world of interior design knows Talavera pottery as an ornate style of ceramics produced solely in Mexico by proud local artisans. These vibrantly colored, handcrafted works of art have been fashioned in the same way for centuries and appreciated for their quality and aesthetics for just as long. So what is it about Mexican Talavera that makes it so special?

 The world of interior design knows Talavera pottery as an ornate style of ceramics produced solely in Mexico by proud local artisans.

As you can imagine, Mexican Talavera has a long and rich history. Named after the Spanish village of Talavera de la Reina, this renowned ceramic art boasts a melting pot of multiculturalism. The Spanish contribution dates back to the invasion of the Moors, who brought their knowledge of ceramics from ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, and which was later refined by a combination of the Italian Renaissance and artisans from the Orient. Later, Spanish colonists brought their highly refined ceramic skills to Mexico, where they were once again blended with the unique pottery styles of Aztec, Mayan and other indigenous cultures.

It’s not just the history of Mexican Talavera that makes it so desirable. Excellent craftsmanship is a common trademark of Talavera pottery. The process begins by blending together two different clays, then soaking them thoroughly in water to improve pliability. When it’s determined that the clay is ready, having been removed of impurities, it’s then formed into the desired shape by hand, molds or a potter’s wheel. Next, the newly constructed form is left to dry for up to three months. Once the artist has inspected and approved the dried clay, the piece then undergoes the first of two firings. The initial firing turns the clay into a reddish-orange color that is then brightly painted with intricate patterns – a trademark of Talavera ceramics. Afterwards, the pottery is submerged in a special tin-glaze, then fired once more. The final product – what was once an ordinary mound of clay – is now a beautiful work of Talavera art.

Talavera pottery is known for brilliant colors set against a pristine white background. Typically, the vivid patterns are slightly raised, and the entire piece is smoothed over by a glossy sheen. Yellow, green and mauve were traditionally the most prolific colors used to decorate Talavera, although cobalt blue was the most desired. Due to the expensive mineral pigments required for its use, this regal color became a way to identify the finest quality of Talavera ceramics.

Today, Talavera patterns can be simple and bold or elaborate and highly detailed. Floral patterns are perhaps the most common, but when it comes to Mexican Talavera, creativity is limitless. Although some patterns might appear similar, hand-painted Talavera is never identical. This should be no cause for concern, however, as color and pattern themes almost always exist, and the individual character of each piece will only enhance your Talavera collection or home décor. This is especially true if you consider decorating your home with Talavera tile.

One of the most predominant characteristics of colonial Mexican cities, in particular the city of Puebla located in central Mexico, is the beautiful Talavera tiles. In the 17th and 18th centuries, as the production of Talavera pottery continued to grow, striking tile and tile murals began to adorn Mexican churches, buildings, stairways, gardens and homes. These architectural examples splashed color in an otherwise dull stretch of concrete and brought kitchens and bathrooms to life in a way that only Talavera tile could deliver. Now, more than ever, this style continues to be embraced as authentically Mexican.

When it comes to Mexican and southwestern home décor, Talavera pottery and Talavera tile can be an essential part of capturing an authentic design motif. At La Fuente Imports we strive to offer the most outstanding and diverse selection of handcrafted Talavera tiles found anywhere on the web. Also, be sure to browse our exceptional Talavera plates and platters, plus everything else for decorating your home including Talavera vases, canisters, planters and more!

Talavera Clay Pottery from Mexico

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Authentic Talavera Pottery from Puebla, MexicoAlthough the Spaniards introduced this type of pottery, ironically the term Talavera is used much more in Mexico than in Talavera de la Reina, Spain, its namesake. In 1997, the Denominación de Origin de la Talavera was established to regulate what pieces could be officially called Talavera. Requisites included the city of production, the clay that was used, and the manufacturing methods. These pieces now carry holograms. One of the reasons the federal law was passed was that the remaining Talavera workshops had maintained the high quality and crafting process from the early colonial period, and the goal was to protect the tradition.

However, the tradition still struggles. Angelica Moreno, owner of Talavera de la Reina, is concerned that the tradition of the craft is waning, despite her workshop’s efforts. One problem the craft faces is the lack of young people who are interested in learning it. An artisan earns about 700 to 800 pesos a week, which is not enough to meet expenses.

Museo de la Talavera

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Talavera Ginger Jar Handmade in Puebla MexicoThe Museo de la Talavera (Talavera Museum) has been established in the city of Puebla, with an initial collection of 400 pieces. The museum is dedicated to recounting the origins, history, expansions and variations in the craft. Pieces include some of the simplest and most complex, as well as those representing different eras.

Several temporary and traveling exhibits of certain themes have been created from these permanent collections. One of these was called “El Aguila en la Historia de Mexico” (The Eagle in the History of Mexico). The forty-two-piece exhibit was sponsored by the Senate of Mexico to show how the eagle symbol has been used in the country throughout its history. This exhibit was sponsored in honor of the Bicentennial of Independence in 2010. These ceramics were chosen because of their combination of art and utility. Eagles depicted include that of Mexico’s coat of arms, as well as those of political figures such as José María Morelos y Pavón and Porfirio Díaz, and those used by institutions such as the Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico and the Mexican Senate itself.

Another exhibit in Mexico centered on the creation of maps using Talavera tile. Most tiles during the colonial period were decorated with flowers and landscapes but a significant number were painted to create murals with maps. Those that survive show how a number of cities developed over the colonial period. Eight of the most representative 16th-century Talavera tile maps were at the El Carmen Museum at an exhibit called “Cartografia: Una Vision en Talavera del Mexico Colonial” (Cartography: A Talavera Vision of Colonial Mexico). This exhibit was of reproductions of the originals created by the Talavera de la Luz workshop in Puebla. The chosen maps show the development of Mexico City as well as representations of the Acapulco, Puebla and the Tesuco regions during this time period.

Exhibits have been held outside of Mexico as well. The Museum of the Americas in Spain held an exhibit called “Talaveras de Puebla, Cerámica colonial Mexicana. Siglos XVII a XXI” (Talavera Pottery of Puebla, Mexican colonial ceramics, XVII to 21st centuries). This was a temporary exhibit of 49 pieces, combined with pieces from Spain and China as references. The pieces were loaned by the Franz Mayer Museum and the Bello Museum.

Talavera: An Essential Component in Southwest Mexican Rustic Home

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Authentic Talavera Pottery - Fruit BowlWhen creating a southwest Mexican rustic home decor, talavera pottery can add a gorgeous finishing touch. Talavera pottery plays an important role in Mexican decor because of the unique styles, colors and designs of each creation. Your home will be the talk of the neighborhood and no one has to know you didn’t pay a fortune. Here’s some information about talavera pottery and ways you can use it for home decoration.

What is Talavera Pottery?

Talavera pottery is created with majolica earthenware, which is a type of ceramic that is glazed and white in color. The pottery was introduced to Mexico by Spaniards. It is used to decorate many patios, commercial and residential buildings, social and business squares, and even homes in Mexico.

A city in Mexico called Puebla was established in 1531 and almost immediately became the center of earthenware production. Today, the pottery is still being made with the same techniques that were used during the 16th Century, and it is the oldest tin-glazed ceramic in America.

Talavera Products for Home Decor

When shopping for talavera pottery, you must think out of the box. Look around for a variety of products, such as talavera plates, jars, pots, vases and religious figurines. You can create a southwestern decor in every room of your home using various types of pottery. Talavera pottery can be placed in room corners on the floor or next to pieces of equipal furniture such as sofas, chairs or floor lamps. Add Talavera plates to your kitchen hutch or China cabinet display along with Mexican glassware (such as blue rim margarita drinking glasses).

On the patio, use colorful outdoor equipal patio furniture along with talavera planting pots. These look lovely on wood, brick or stone patios…whatever fits your style. Hang a relaxing hammock nearby and complete your yard decor with matching bird feeders and birdhouses, garden statues (with Mexican flare), fountains and stepping-stones!

Buy pottery products to match your other southwest home decor items in color and theme. This will give every room a true southwest Mexican rustic home decor. You can buy authentic or imitation talavera pottery. Either way, make sure you’re getting quality items and buy only from a reputable retailer. There are many websites offering pottery, but beware of those that don’t guarantee the quality of their products. Also, look for other great items such as rustic sconce light covers and Mexican tin mirrors. These make great gifts for anyone that appreciates Mexican decor. You’ll want a beautifully crafted piece that will last for many years!

Intricately Detailed Talavera Tiles

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talavera_tilesHandcrafts in Mexico vary widely from materials used, techniques and employ and styles preferred. The most prevalent of Mexico’s crafts is ceramics/pottery. Ceramics was considered one of the highest art forms during the Aztec Empire, with the knowledge of making pottery said to have come from the god Quetzalcoatl himself.

Pre-Hispanic pottery was made by coiling the clay into a circle then up the sides, then scraping and molding the coiled work until the coils could no longer be detected. The Spanish introduced the potters’ wheel and new glazing techniques.  Majolica glazed pottery was introduced by the Spanish. Puebla in particular is renowned for its variety of Majolica, which is called Talavera. One distinctive feature of this city is that many kitchens and buildings are decorated with intricately detailed Talavera tiles. Tiles are a subset of ceramic pottery and were used extensively in colonial-era Mexico. These tiles were first fired at a low temperature, then hand-painted with intricate designs, then fired at a high temperature to set the glaze. These are still made, but most decorative tiles used in Mexico are factory-made.  Unglazed pottery is still made, but generally it is for decorative purposes only, and copies the designs of pre-Hispanic cultures.

Blue and White Talavera Tile

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Majolica Talavera Pottery La Fuente ImportsBlue and White Talavera Tile – If you are looking to put a little bit of the Southwest into your home’s design scheme, why not try it with our Talavera Tile. Particularly, are blue and white pattern is just the perfect thing to liven up a space. These tiles make perfect accent pieces for kitchens and bathrooms, yet they have many other applications as well. Brighten up a set of patio steps by facing the risers with some blue and white Talavera Tile. If your back patio is a bit aged, liven it up a bit by placing tile on the back wall. These pieces really make backyard spaces pop. You could even try in-setting a few of them into concrete stepping stones to echo the tone of Mother Nature. Their bright, festive nature lends them to all sorts of applications!

If you have any leftovers, they make perfect coasters. Simply glue four rubber feet to the bottom to prevent the back from scratching your furniture. You could also group a few together and use them as a trivet. Their ceramic material means they really stand up well to heat and cold. They also do a great job as a coaster by protecting your beautiful wood furniture from those pesky water rings.

Yet, the really unique thing about our Talavera tile as opposed to other types; our tile is all handmade in Mexico. That’s right, our artisans use traditional means and make the tile in the traditional Talavera manner, using only the highest quality materials and natural pigments. These methods have been passed own for generations and the skill set takes years to master. Most master tile makers spend several years as an apprentice in a local shop, working under a master artisan in order to hone their craft. The result is unmatched quality and amazing artistic design. Take some today and see why Talavera is the premier choice for brightening up any space in your home.

Majolica Pottery

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Majolica Talavera Pottery La Fuente ImportsSince its introduction by Spanish settlers in the 16th century, talavera pottery has become synonymous with Puebla. The beautifully hand-crafted ceramics, which take the form of everything from garden tiles to dinnerware, adorn building fronts in the historic center, replace china sets in Mexican households, and travel home with visitors as souvenirs. Talavera is so revered that President Calderón ordered a special bicentennial pattern last year for his Independence Day state dinner; Governor Rafael Moreno Valle buys centerpieces to give as personal gifts; and collectors worldwide seek out new and historical pieces to display as fine art.

The local tradition of making talavera started shortly after the city of Puebla was founded in 1531. “The Spanish feverishly began building churches, monasteries, and convents,” notes MexOnline.com. “To decorate these buildings, craftsman from Talavera de la Reina … were commissioned to come to the New World to produce fine tiles as well as other ceramic ware. In addition, these same craftsman were to teach the indigenous artisans their technique of Majolica pottery, in order to increase production levels.”
Nearly 500 years later, artisans continue to produce talavera in Puebla.

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How to Treat Authentic Talavera

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Talavera Pottery Plates CareHow to properly treat your new authentic Talavera –  Since Talavera is fired at very high temperatures it makes it a very durable product.  We recommend treating your Talavera as you would treat any other fine china product.

If you decide to place it in the dishwasher, use care to ensure that it does not rattle against other pieces during the washing process. It is microwave safe, but use care as it will absorb heat.  The high firing temperatures also make it oven safe.  We recommend placing the piece in the oven when the oven is started and let it warm up with the oven.  With proper care, your Talavera piece will last for years to come!

Most of the Talavera pottery offered by La Fuente Imports, including all plates, platters, and place settings, is made by hand in Puebla, Mexico, and is 100% lead-free as well as microwave, oven, and dishwasher safe. The detail is outstanding, and due to the kiln’s high firing temperature all our Talavera dishware is also crack and chip resistant.

The Origins of Mexican Talavera Pottery

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Talavera plates made in Pueblo, MexicoFrom the time of the Olmecs, between 1200 BC and 600 AD, pottery has been a central part of Mexican life.  Their use of clay, knowledge of primitive firing and coloring techniques, as well as designs was passed down to other cultures that followed.  The Olmecs are considered by many as the mother culture of Mesoamerican civilizations.

Talavera de la Reina, a Spanish village, has long been influential in the world’s knowledge of fine ceramics.  When the Muslims conquered North Africa and moved into Europe, their tin-glazed ceramics, known as Majolica, came to Spain.  Majolica was developed in the Middle East but gained cultural diversity through influences from the Chinese, Italians, Moors and Spanish cultures.  Spanish craftsmen learned and further developed this craft and, in the 16th century, introduced it to Mexico.  The term Talavera is used to describe faithful reproductions of the pottery that is made in Talavera de la Reina, Spain.

When the Spanish introduced their stylized pottery to their recently established colony in Mexico, the local artisans blended these new techniques with their established practices to creat the famous Talavera pottery of Mexico.  It is believed that the first workshop was established in the city of Puebla around 1600 AD.  Puebla became the home of authentic Mexican Talavera and is where the first potter’s guilds were formed to establish standards and regulations for the production of Talavera.