Mexican Pottery: Mexican Folk Art, Indigenous People, Talavera, Designs, Techniques And Prices

The vibrantly beautiful Mexican pottery known as Talavera made its way to the region of Puebla in Mexico during the 16th century through Spanish monks. Mexican locals have since perfected this craft of making majolica earthenware, and this Mexican folk art is still presently being practiced. But before this type of Mexican pottery became popular among the Indigenous people, Talavera pottery first originated in Talavera de La Reina, Spain during the early 8th century. It was introduced by Arab settlers to the natives, and aside from this Arab influence, Talavera pottery also displays traces of Chinese, Spanish, Moor, and Italian culture. In fact, the word 'majolica' has its roots from an Italian ceramic producing process which involves the brushing of pigments onto unfired or raw glaze.

Indigenous people have been making Mexican pottery for many centuries before the introduction of Talavera pottery into their culture. Earthenware is crucial in the daily chores of these early natives and this is the reason why the mastery of Mexican pottery became an easy accomplishment for the Indigenous people. The techniques behind this unique Mexican folk art truly require great creativity and skill. At first, early Talavera pottery makers only created tiles with plain white backgrounds and some painted details. But as their techniques became more and more sophisticated, the Mexican pottery designs became equally intricate. Also, the Mexican pottery creations no longer became limited to pots, as urns, vases, jars, plates, bowls, and other materials were created.

Traditional designs of this form of Mexican pottery must only be painted in the traditional mineral pigments. These colors are green, blue, red, yellow, black, and brown. But before an artisan can create vibrant patterns and designs on Mexican pottery with these colors, the clay materials would first have to go through quite a process. Two kinds of clay are used, and these are thoroughly cleaned, kneaded, and dried. The clay is then shaped into the desired form, and the finished product is left to dry. After a few weeks, the Mexican pottery is then put through the fire. A temperature of 1500 degrees Fahrenheit is required for the firing. Next, the product is reglazed and this is the step where artisans exhibit their masterful techniques since they're only limited to the traditional pigments. The finished Mexican pottery is then put through the fire once more, and at even higher temperature.

Color blending and pattern designing make these pots unique items that art aficionados clamor to collect. Pieces of Mexican pottery are beautiful decorative items, and many people buy Mexican pottery despite their high cost. Prices of these unique works or art may reach hundreds of dollars. A single plate may cost as much as $30, so one can only imagine how much it would cost to have a home filled with many Mexican pottery products. But one must remember that these items' costs are high because of the solid effort put into creating these prizes possessions. There is a great deal of Mexican folk art, tradition, skill, and mastery found in each pot, vase, or plate, so there is really no doubt why one pays a lot for an item of exquisite beauty.


Sources:
"About Tavalera - History and Facts." Talavera Emporium. 26 Nov. 2007. http://www.talaveraemporium.com/about_talavera.htm l.

"Talavera Pottery - Made in Puebla, Mexico." Talavera Pottery. 26 Nov. 2007. http://www.loscabosguide.com/necri/talavera-potter y.htm.

"Mexican Talavera Pottery, Direct from Mexico, Authentic Mexican Pottery." Mexican Talavera Pottery. 26 Nov. 2007. http://www.sweetdreamscreations.1shoppal.com/talav era.html.