All You Need to Know About Mexican Talavera Pottery

September 15, 2018

Puebla is the fourth largest city of Mexico and Talavera pottery is one of its proudest exports. Like much of the Mexican craft, Talavera pottery is dotted with signs of Spanish influences that date back to the colonial era. It was introduced in Mexico from Spain in the mid 17th century. Now, more than 300 years later, the style is still famous and highly in demand.

Characteristics of Talavera Pottery

Talavera is the oldest tin-glazed earthenware in America and it is still produced using the same, centuries-old, techniques. Craftsmen bake and glaze the mud before painting the traditional blue and white patterns on the ceramics. While most of the Talavera pottery is covered with blue and white patterns, colors like yellow, green, black, and orange are also prevalent in a number of pieces.

Talavera style is widely used to make items like plates, jars, bowls, flower pots and even religious items and figures. Furthermore, the style is highly dominant in the production of ceramic tiles. These tiles are used to decorate the insides and outsides of a number of public and private buildings.

Influence of Talavera Pottery

Talavera pottery is a prized possession for the people of Mexico, especially those residing in Puebla. The style is so strongly associated with the city that even the local Starbucks has Talavera-style décor.

Furthermore, the concept of the Puebla kitchen is common in the city. It revolves around creating a traditional environment in the kitchens using the Talavera pottery, containers and tiles. You can even find traces of Talavera style in a number of monastery kitchens that signify its association with the religion.

Authentic Talavera is famous for all the right reasons. The style is unique, beautiful and intricate, all at once. It is truly one of its kind!

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