About Talavera

The name “Talavera” is applied to a very special type of hand decorated, high ceramic product, first produced in Spain around the year 1500 in a town called Talavera de la Reyna, and hence its name.

The art producing it was influenced by Chinese, Arab and Italian ceramics and tiles, and the end product was attractive enough for the Spanish monks to introduce it to their recently established colony.

The first shop, apparently a tile shop was established in the city of Puebla, in the state of Puebla.  Historians believe this to be around year 1600.  The city of Puebla is some 80miles south east of Mexico City.  This shop first started producing tiles with a white background and blue decorations.

Through the years the art was improved by adding new designs, patterns and products such as dinner plates, flower vases, cookie jars, urns, etc…at the same time, new colors were discovered.

As with other arts and crafts, the demand for the product and the skills learned by the workers created new shops and each tried to outdo the other.

The demand for high quality and original designs persists today and although there are many bad imitations, some even misusing the name “Talavera”, it is quite easy to distinguish the good from the bad.

The most distinct feature is the raised colored design and the high gloss and shine of the surface finish.  The detail and care with which the design is hand painted is another feature.

To avoid confusion, the Mexican Government has decreed that the use of the name “Talavera” be protected and limited to a geographical area in and around the city of Puebla, and that it only be used by those shops that follow the traditional manufacturing process.

The process employed started by choosing the right clays.  These clays are washed, cleaned, kneaded and then allowed to air dry to a consistency that allows molding either by hand on a potters wheel or in a mold to form the desired shapes and sizes.

They are air dried for several weeks before introducing them to a first firing in a kiln at around 1500 degrees F.  The next step is to re-glaze them.  They are then painted and decorated to obtain the desired colors and patterns.

Finally the pieces are subjected to a higher firing in a kiln around 1900 degrees F.  Thanks to the diversity and good taste of our Mexican Artisans you can now own a uniquely beautiful and original piece of “Talavera” pottery that can well be considered a collectors piece.

FINE MEXICAN HANDICRAFTS SINCE 1988

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