The History of Talavera
Talavera pottery is a high-quality earthenware style of Mexican-Spanish pottery that utilizes vibrant colors and intricately detailed patterns. Talavera pieces are known for their bold and beautiful appearance. They are available as both purely decorative pieces and as functional pieces that can be used in the home. Most Talavera works feature designs that are faithful to the art nouveau style and indigenous to the Mexican culture and the long standing tradition of Talavera pottery itself.
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Spanish Origins
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Glazed earthenware pottery (Majolica) was introduced to Talavera de la Reina, Spain during the eighth century by the Arabic Moors.
Mexican Origins
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In the 16th century, Spaniards brought this style of pottery to Puebla, Mexico. They brought along many craftsmen from Talavera de la Reina to teach the style to local artists.
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The Talavera Name
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Over the years, Mexican potters merged their own styles, colors, clays and interpretations with the Majolica process to produce stunning artworks, which were called Talavera.
The 16th and 17th Centuries
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Talavera pieces were typically decorated with traditional blue and white during the 16th and 17th centuries. Potters of that time produced forms like religious figures, dishes and containers.
The 18th Century
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In the late 17th century, colors such as green, yellow and orange were added to the process, and the 18th century brought new forms including wall tiles, domes and facades.
Significance
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Today, Talavera pottery is still made in the same way as its true beginning in the 16th century. It's made in many Mexican locations, but official Talavera is only produced in Puebla, Mexico.
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References
- Photo Credit Wikimedia Commons by Tamorlan
