Mexican Talavera

Talavera Poblana is an Exquisite Type of Pottery

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Authentic Talavera Pottery from Puebla, MexicoTalavera Poblana is an exquisite type of pottery whose history goes back hundreds of years. The lovely and beautiful colonial city of Puebla, located just 70 miles from Mexico City, is home to this world-renowned art form. In addition to purchasing authentic Talavera pottery in Puebla, there are many reasons to visit the city, including sampling its fabulous regional cuisine. Some of Puebla’s delectable dishes include their famous mole poblana sauce as well as the seasonal delicious dish of chiles en nogada. Additionally, the historic center of Puebla has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Undoubtedly, one of the reasons for this honor is due to the absolutely stunning tile work that decorates the town’s historic colonial buildings.

Mexico has a rich and long history with producing ceramics, predating the arrival of the Spanish by several centuries. Stunning pre-Columbian artifacts from its many civilizations attest to this fact. The indigenous peoples of Mexico, long acquainted with making items from clay, had their own distinct method of producing earthenware, one which did not involve glazing or the use of the potter’s wheel.

Shortly after Puebla was founded in 1531, the Spanish feverishly began building churches, monasteries and convents. To decorate these buildings, craftsman from the city of Talavera de la Reina, located in Spain, 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.

The tradition that the Spanish craftsmen brought from Talavera de la Reina to the New World has a fascinating history. During the 8th century, the Moors from Northern Africa conquered Spain and with their arrival, the customary blending of cultures occurred. One such consequence was the introduction of Majolica pottery, an art form known for its beautiful glazes and intricate design work. A major component of Majolica is its glazing technique which contains tin as an ingredient. This particular type of glaze provides a creamy white background that is ideal for applying design.

One characteristic of authentic Talavera pottery is the quality of detail in the painting, expertly applied. There is a raised appearance to the painted line, accompanied by a glossy sheen. Only natural earth pigments are used for the colors found in true Talavera. In its early days, the finest pottery was painted with a deep blue mineral, the most expensive pigment. This color motif, placed on the creamy white of the fired clay, was much sought after. It also provided a quality measure, reassuring the buyer that the piece they were purchasing was of the highest caliber. Other colors were introduced in 18th century, including yellow, green and mauve.

Today, when visiting the city of Puebla, you will be able to purchase authentic Talavera tiles, vases and dishes, along with many other fine Talavera objects. As well, you can see first-hand how Talavera tiles were used extensively in the decoration of the city’s historic churches, monasteries and ex-convents.

Talavera Pottery for Everyday Use

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1340651185-tts038aThe tradition of Talavera Pottery has struggled since the Mexican War of Independence in the early 19th century, when the number of workshops were reduced to 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.

If you are searching for an elegant Talavera coffee set to use not only for special occasions, but also for everyday use, then try our handmade Talavera tea and coffee sets. With every set having its own unique design, you are sure to find a coffee set that you will love. These Talavera coffee/tea sets are 100% lead free, microwave safe, and won’t easily chip or crack. Each coffee set is available in a 4, 6, or 8 person setting.

Use the colorful Talavera snack trays to highlight your dining table or any serving area with authentic Mexican style! Each Talavera snack tray is handmade and hand-painted by the artisans of the Tomas Huerta studio. They are great for serving your favorite snacks and hors d’oeuvres or tea sandwiches. Be sure to view the Tomas Huerta studio plates as well to complete a table set! Each authentic snack tray includes an eyelet for wall hanging and is 100% lead free; chip resistant; and microwave, oven, and dishwasher safe and easy to store.

Authentic Talavera pottery only comes from the city of Puebla and the communities of Atlixco, Cholula and Tecali, as the clays needed and the history of this craft are both centered there. All pieces are hand-thrown on a potter’s wheel and the glazes contain tin and lead, as they have since colonial times. This glaze must craze, be slightly porous and milky-white, but not pure white. There are only six permitted colors: blue, yellow, black, green, orange and mauve, and these colors must be made from natural pigments.

Other items from the Talavera Pottery category, including our Talavera sinks, canisters, planters, and fruit bowls, come from the historic city of Dolores Hidalgo. Every design is painted by hand, and all plates and platters are made with an eyelet on the back for hanging on walls. So whether for home decoration or for day-to-day use in the dining room, our extensive selection of authentic Talavera pottery is sure to make a wonderful addition to your home décor.

Designer Dining with Handmade Talavera Plates

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Talavera Plate by Studio Maximo HuertaPlace Settings by Tomas Huerta – Complement your current style of dining with a designer touch.

These beautifully handcrafted Talavera plates by the renowned Tomas Huerta ceramic studio will make a vibrant and cultural addition to any space in your home. With over 100 unique designs in this expansive collection, you’re sure to find one that fits your taste. Consider pairing these uniquely styled pieces with other pieces from our catalog of kitchen accessories. Every authentic Talavera plate is handmade in Puebla, Mexico, and is 100% lead free; chip and crack resistant; as well as microwave, oven, and dishwasher safe! There is even an eyelet on the back of each plate for easy wall hanging, making a Talavera plate an excellent gift idea, or piece of wall art

Other items from the kitchen accessoriescategory, including our Talavera canisters, planters, platters and fruit bowls, they all come from the historic city of Dolores Hidalgo. Every design is painted by hand, and all plates and platters are made with an eyelet on the back for hanging on walls. So whether for home decoration or for day-to-day use in the dining room, our extensive selection of authentic Talavera pottery is sure to make a wonderful addition to your home décor.

Due to the handmade nature of Talavera pottery, colors and designs may vary slightly.

Origins of Talavera Pottery

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Authentic Talavera PlateFrom 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.

Historical Mexican Talavera Pottery

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Authentic Talavera Plate - MH469aSince the 16th century, Mexican craftsmen have been producing Talavera pottery.  This art form has evolved from ancient cultures and influenced the production of pottery in Mexico resulting in the exquisite Talavera pottery that is available today.  True, certified Talavera pottery is produced in the city of Puebla, in the state of Puebla, Mexico however, high-quality, modern Talavera pottery is also available from factories in other Mexican districts such as Dolores Hidalgo and Guanajuato.

Age-old techniques have been passed down from generation to generation by master craftsmen.  These techniques produce unique pieces that are truly works of art.  Vibrant colors and delicate details are trademarks of Talavera pottery that give it the characteristic color and brilliance known only to Talavera ware.

Talavera is a type of majolica earthenware that is fired at extremely high temperatures producing a very durable product.  Artisans are not limited to the production of tiles and vases.  You will find beautiful pieces to suit your taste in plates, jars, pots, religious figures, animals and more!

To appreciate your Talavera, you should know something of its origins.  We hope that this short history of this beautiful pottery lends a hand to creating this understanding.

Authentic Talavera Trays

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Talavera Snack Tray handmade in Pueblo MexicoSnacking will Never Be the Same with Our Talavera Trays – It doesn’t matter if it’s a pay-per-view boxing event, baseball game, football match, or just a good movie on television; you and I both know you are going to need something to eat. Snacking while watching TV has become somewhat of a hobby in and of itself. With that in mind, the next time you sit down in front of the tube to take in a sporting event or catch a good flick, consider snagging our Talavera snack traysas well.

Its rich detail and colorful patterns make it beautiful and unique. However, what you will probably be most interested in is the fact that some of our trays have multiples compartments for you to store a variety of your favorite snacks. This makes it perfect for storing things like chips, dip, and toppings in one convenient location. You could even serve several different types of meats, cheeses, and crackers as well. If potato chips are in order, put three varieties and some popcorn in the compartments and feast away! You could even put vegetables and some ranch dressing in there if you are one of those healthy types, we won’t complain.

The snack tray makes snacking easy and convenient, but there are other purposes it can serve too. For instance, at your next formal party, why not use snack trays to serve hors d’oeuvres? It’s elegant enough to be formal, just as much as it is playful enough to be casual. Buy two or three and outfit them nicely with your finest appetizers for guests to munch on while they wait for the main course to be served. When you’re finished, simply toss it in the dishwasher. That’s right, no need to hand wash this piece. All of our Talavera accessories are chip resistant, microwave safe, oven safe, and dishwasher safe. Also, no need to worry about lead paint that is common with some imports, our Talavera pottery is 100% lead free. Quality, beauty, and snacking convenience, our Talavera snack tray covers it all.

Authentic Talavera Pottery

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MH458aAuthentic Talavera pottery only comes from the city of Puebla and the nearby communities of Atlixco, Cholula, and Tecali, because of the quality of the natural clay found there and the tradition of production which goes back to the 16th century.  Much of this pottery was decorated only in blue, but colors such as yellow, black, green, orange and mauve have also been used.  Maiolica pottery was brought to Mexico by the Spanish in the first century of the colonial period.

Production of this ceramic became highly developed in Puebla because of the availability of fine clays and the demand for tiles from the newly established churches and monasteries in the area. The industry had grown sufficiently that by the mid-17th century, standards and guilds had been established which further improved the quality, leading Puebla into what is called the “golden age” of Talavera pottery (from 1650 to 1750).  Formally, the tradition that developed there is called Talavera Poblana to distinguish it from the similarly named Talavera pottery of Spain. It is a mixture of Italian, Spanish and indigenous ceramic techniques.

The tradition has struggled since the Mexican War of Independence in the early 19th century, when the number of workshops were reduced to 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 theDenominación de Origen de la Talavera law to protect authentic, Talavera pieces made with the original, 16th-century methods.

Talavera

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Talavera is a type of maiolica earthenware, distinguished by its white base glaze. Authentic Talavera pottery only comes from the city of Puebla and the communities of Atlixco, Cholula and Tecali, as the clays needed and the history of this craft are both centered there. All pieces are hand-thrown on a potter’s wheel and the glazes contain tin and lead, as they have since colonial times. This glaze must craze, be slightly porous and milky-white, but not pure white.

There are only six permitted colors: blue, yellow, black, green, orange and mauve, and these colors must be made from natural pigments. The painted designs have a blurred appearance as they fuse slightly into the glaze. The base, the part that touches the table, is not glazed but exposes the terra cotta underneath. An inscription is required on the bottom that contains the following information: the logo of the manufacturer, the initials of the artist and the location of the manufacturer in Puebla.

The design of the pieces is highly regulated by tradition. The paint ends up slightly raised over the base. In the early days, only a cobalt blue was used, as this was the most expensive pigment, making it highly sought after not only for prestige but also because it ensured the quality of the entire piece.  Only natural clays are used, rather than chemically treated and dyed clays and the handcrafting process takes 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.Because of this, Talavera manufacturers have been under pressure from imitations, commonly from China, and similar ceramics from other parts of Mexico, especially Guanajuato. Guanajuato state petitioned the federal government for the right to share the Talavera demonimation with Puebla, but, since 1997, this has been denied and glazed ceramics from other parts of Mexico are called Maiolica or Mayolica.

Today, only pieces made by designated areas and from workshops that have been certified are permitted to call their work “Talavera.” Certification is issued by the Consejo Regulador de la Talavera, a special regulatory body. Only nine workshops have so far been certified: Uriarte Talavera, Talavera La Reyna, Talavera Armando, Talavera Celia, Talavera Santa Catarina, Talavera de la Nueva España, Talavera de la Luz, Talavera de las Americas, and Talavera Virglio Perez. Each of these needs to pass a twice-yearly inspection of the manufacturing processes. Pieces are subject to sixteen laboratory tests with internationally certified labs. In addition, there is a test done by the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Puebla to ensure that the glaze does not have lead content of more than 2.5 parts per million or cadmium content of more than 0.25 parts per million, as many of the pieces are used to serve food. Only pieces from workshops that meet the standards are authorized to have the signature of the potter, the logo of the workshop and the special hologram that certifies the piece’s authenticity.

The Talavera Serving Bowl

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Authentic Talavera Servings Platters and BowlsHaving its origins in Puebla Mexico, and echoing that tradition, all of the paint used in our Talavera products are 100% lead free. Originally, only vegetable dyes and all natural pigments were used. Each artisan had their own unique style and only four different pigments were allowed to be used in order for a piece to qualify as Talavera. Today, several other colors have been added and since the pallet has expanded, so has the colorful festive nature of the pieces.

Our serving bowl is a perfect complement to any type of dining room table. If you have a minimalist table with a modern sleek design styling, this serving bowl with its punch of color would look perfect gracing the tabletop. Perhaps your design styles are more traditional in nature. If that is the case, this brightly colored festive bowl will perfectly complement the traditional flair of your dining room. You simply cannot go wrong using our Talavera serving bowl as a design element in your room.

Consider these other design ideas as well:

For your entryway. Place the serving bowl on your entryway or console table filled with potpourri to greet guests with a wonderful aroma as they enter your home. The aroma combined with the colorful presentation of the serving bowl is a wonderful way to welcome friends into your space.

Hallway table. Try filling the serving bowl with ornaments during the holiday season, or other items such as shells, or even pine cones during off seasons to create a fantastic display in your hallway. One of these bowls, positioned on a small side table at the end of a hallway, makes a great statement and also provides a fantay not place onestic focal point for the space.

Bedroom. Wh of these on top of your dresser, or a side reading table in your bedroom, to create a more intimate space? You could fill the bowl with dried flower potpourri and a few decorative wooden balls to ground the reading nook or crown your dresser top.

Bathroom. Place one of these on a “his and hers” vanity in your bathroom to not only divide the space, but add a little bit of dramatic flair too. You could have fun with it and put washcloths or other small toiletry items inside for guests to use during their stay. The color and functionality will make for a great accessory item in the bathroom.

You could place these in outdoor seating areas, beside your sofa on a side table, place them on your sofa table, the possibilities are truly limited only by what you can come up with. You could go off-the-cuff and fill one of the serving bowls with oranges and place it on your kitchen counter. What a great way to add a bit of color and display as well as functionality, to your kitchen! As stated before, the design options are truly limitless..

We have several different styles and patterns to choose from, so you should have no trouble finding a bowl that suits your taste and tickles your fancy. Head over to La Fuente now and make one of these Talavera serving bowls yours today!

 

History of Mexican Talavera Pottery

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Authentic Talavera Pottery - Fruit BowlMoors Contribution

During the 8th century, the Moors from Northern Africa conquered Spain. The Moors brought with them majolica pottery. Majolica is an art form that is known for its unique glazing process and exquisite design details. A major component of majolica is its glazing technique which contains tin as an ingredient. This technique for applying the glaze creates a creamy-white background that is perfect for applying colorful designs. The designs and use of mineral pigments originated from the Moors who conquered Spain and had tremendous influence on all the artistic expressions of Spain.

Egyptian Contribution

During the 8th century, the Arabs controlled Spain. The process of pottery making was first developed in ancient Egypt and was later refined by the Chinese. The production of pottery became very popular as a result of the Arab occupation of Spain. Muslim potters brought knowledge of using different materials and new techniques that radically changed pottery production in Spain. As a result, their influence was widespread. After the expulsion of the Muslims in the 16th and 17th centuries, many potters continued to use the intricate designs and vibrant colors such as copper green and manganese purple-black which were well known in Islamic pottery.

Chinese Contribution

In the late 16th century Spain opened trade with China by way of Mexico. As a result of the Chinese imports, the Mexicans began to incorporate the designs that were found on the Chinese porcelain. For example, the floral and feather motif to fill empty spaces on the blue and white Talavera exhibits Chinese influence. China contributed much of the motifs used today in Mexican talavera. The blue and white color, panel design, and even the barrel-shaped pottery were some of the Chinese influences that we still see today on modern pieces of talavera pottery.

Spanish and Mexican Contributions

The indigenous people of Mexico, long acquainted with making items from clay, had their own distinct method of producing earthenware, one which did not involve glazing or the use of the potter’s wheel. The indigenous people of Mexico had a rich and long history of producing pottery long before the arrival of the Spaniards. However, with the arrival of the Spaniards in the 1600s new techniques such as the wheel, tin based glazes, and new styles were introduced. The combination of the newly learned Spanish techniques and the techniques of the indigenous people of Mexico gave birth to a new form of pottery, talavera. The name talavera is derived from the city Talavera de La Reina, Spain. The Spaniards from this city brought their pottery craftsmanship to the new world and taught the indigenous people of Mexico the art. Mexico was very proud of their new found success in the production of high quality talavera. In order to prevent th talavera from losing its high quality craftsmanship, the Potter’s Guild was formed in 1653. The Potter’s Guild set forth ordinances regulating the production of talavera pottery. The Potter’s Guild was replaced by the Talavera Regulating Council in 1993.

The Moors, Chinese, Egyptians, Spaniards, and Mexicans should all be credited for the creation of Mexican talavera pottery. After their creation, the Potter’s Guild and the Talavera Regulating Council have worked hard to keep talavera authentic and of high quality. The lovely pieces of Mexican talavera pottery are a multicultural, regulated art form that expresses centuries of dedication and gratitude for its heritage. So next time you think, “Mexican talavera pottery,” you will actually be thinking, “Moor, Chinese, Egyptian, Spanish, and Mexican talavera pottery!”

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