Behind the Design

Gorky Gonzalez Majolica Pottery

May 6, 2016

La Fuente is excited to introduce customers to one of our newest product lines known as Gorky Gonzalez Majolica pottery. Although the Spaniards introduced this type of pottery, ironically the term Talavera is used much more in Mexico than in Talavera de la Reina, Spain. In fact, Talavera is the oldest tin-glazed ceramic in America and it is still being manufactured with the same techniques as in the 16th Century.

Gorky González Quiñones is a Mexican potter who in 1992 won the prestigious Premio Nacional de Ciencias y Artes in the area of Popular Arts and Traditions for his efforts to revive Mexican maiolica pottery. "My main interest was always the rescue of traditional Majolica pottery."

He was born in Morelia, Mexico, in 1939. In his early twenties he studied Ceramics in Guanajuato, and later studied Art in the village of San Miguel de Allende. In San Miguel he built an artistic foundry and sculptor studio attended by both students and professional sculptors alike.

González Quiñones uses traditional materials and keeps most of the traditional methods. However, he produces both traditional and contemporary designs, with the clay coming from the nearby Sierra de Santa Rosa. The artist uses both molds and turntables. Colors and designs are relatively conservative, using mineral paints such as copper oxide for green, antimony for yellow and cobalt for blue, all prepared locally. He uses kilns made from heat-resistant cinderblock, using wood, gas and other materials for fuel. They are fired twice with the second to fix the glaze.

His main interest, however, had always been resurrecting traditional Colonial Majolica. He considered traditional Majolica a lost craft representing one of the cultural and historical values of the region. While striving to achieve this goal, Gorky was fortunate to meet Hisato Murayama, a young but cultured Japanese man who was living in Mexico studying Spanish and Mexican History. Hisato, who was a profound connoisseur of pottery techniques, lent Gorky various books on Japanese art and encouraged him to continue his studies in Japan.

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

Gorky Gonzalez Pottery

Majolica Plate - Pattern 06
10% OFF

Majolica Plate - Pattern 06

Item Number: GGMPL06
View Sizes & Prices

 
Sale $27.85 - $76.45
Reg. $30.95 - $84.95
Oval Platter
10% OFF

Oval Platter

Item Number: GGMP06
View Sizes and Prices

 
Sale $76.45 - $121.50
Reg. $84.95 - $135.00
Serving Bowl
10% OFF

Serving Bowl

Item Number: GGM06N
10"W x 4"H

 
Sale $76.45
Reg. $84.95
Majolica Plate - Pattern 08
10% OFF

Majolica Plate - Pattern 08

Item Number: GGMPL08
View Sizes & Prices

 
Sale $27.85 - $55.75
Reg. $30.95 - $61.95
Oval Platter
25% OFF

Oval Platter

Item Number: GGMP05
View Sizes and Prices

 
Sale $63.71 - $101.25
Reg. $84.95 - $135.00
Soup / Cereal Bowl
10% OFF

Soup / Cereal Bowl

Item Number: GGM07G
6 1/2"W x 2 1/2"H

 
Sale $45.85
Reg. $50.95
Majolica Plate - Pattern 04
10% OFF

Majolica Plate - Pattern 04

Item Number: GGMPL04
View Sizes & Prices

(1)
Sale $27.85 - $76.45
Reg. $30.95 - $84.95
Oval Platter
10% OFF

Oval Platter

Item Number: GGMP04
View Sizes and Prices

 
Sale $76.45 - $121.50
Reg. $84.95 - $135.00
Serving Bowl
10% OFF

Serving Bowl

Item Number: GGM04N
10"W x 4"H

 
Sale $76.45
Reg. $84.95

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