Behind the Design

Authentic Talavera Pottery from Mexico

September 26, 2014

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 .

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

Let's Get Social - Join La Fuente Imports for interior design inspiration on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and Houzz.

Talavera Pottery

Talavera Planter

Talavera Planter

Item Number: TP250
View Sizes and Prices

(9)
$79.95 - $159.00
Dinnerware Pattern 83

Dinnerware Pattern 83

View Setting Options

(1)
$25.95 - $164.00
Special Edition Talavera Sun

Special Edition Talavera Sun

Item Number: TWA200
View Sizes and Prices

(11)
$189.00 - $429.00
Talavera Planter

Talavera Planter

Item Number: TP032
15"W x 17"H

(46)
$179.00
Dinnerware Pattern 68

Dinnerware Pattern 68

View Setting Options

(3)
$25.95 - $164.00
Talavera Frog

Talavera Frog

Item Number: TCTWA241
9 1/2"L x 11"W x 3"H

(2)
$44.95
Talavera Planter

Talavera Planter

Item Number: TP245
View Sizes and Prices

(8)
$79.95 - $159.00
Dinnerware Pattern 59

Dinnerware Pattern 59

View Setting Options

(2)
$25.95 - $164.00
Special Edition Talavera Eclipse

Special Edition Talavera Eclipse

Item Number: TWA210
View Sizes and Prices

(9)
$189.00 - $429.00

Similar Articles

Wall of Mirrors

Behind the Design

Awe-Inspiring Mexican Mirrors

Mirrors are the favorite décor item of designers all around the world. It plays an important role in décor today. It is a strong and impactful article of décor that can change the entire look and feel of a place.

Read More  
Mexican Sombreros

Behind the Design

3 Reasons to Get a Sombrero

Hats are always considered to be one of the best representations of someone’s culture. Almost every culture out there has a hat or headgear that is specific to them and they wear it with pride.

Read More  
Talavera Kitchen Backsplash

Behind the Design

5 Reasons to Use Ceramic Tiles for Your Home

Ceramic flooring and wall cladding are the ideal choices for any modern home with stylish furnishing. It is a versatile method that is used in the construction and design industry for ages.

Read More