Barro Brunido Tile by Jose Antonio Mateos

Barro Brunido, or "Burnished Clay" is one of the oldest known pre-Hispanic pottery techniques and the foundation from which numerous other clay techniques have been derived. The creation process is a laborious one. It begins by selecting the clay and shaping the tile, which is left to air dry for up to a month. Next comes the first burnishing stage, where little by little the clay is moistened, then rubbed silky smooth with a river stone. Afterwards, a clay slip is applied to further ensure the pores are watertight, and the artisan then delicately paints the designs. Next comes the second burnishing stage, this time with a stone of iron pyrite, which shines the tile's surface to a luminous glow. Lastly, according to pre-Hispanic tradition, the tile is fired between 500 and 700 degrees Celsius.

One of the most notable features of barro brunido is a non-glazed but strikingly polished surface. The designs pair local flora and fauna with complex geometric shapes, pre-Hispanic borders, and abstract themes including the mythical Nagual. Farmers tending their crops, seasonal celebrations, and observances of life and death are also among the subjects depicted.

Today, a small group of artisans in Jalisco, Mexico still hand-craft authentic barro brunido using only traditional processes. Even the colorful paints and slips are derived from local clays and oxides. For them, creating the pottery is not just a livelihood, it is their heritage. They are dedicated not only to their own work, but to the preservation and continuance of traditional Mexican folk art.

Fine contemporary ceramic art.

Hand made by master artisan Jose Antonio Mateos at his home in Tonala, Mexico.

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