The Process of Making Talavera Pottery

Talavera

Talavera is a variety of fine ceramic pottery. Though the style gets its name from Talavera de la Reina, Spain, it is also made in and strongly associated with Pueblo, Mexico, where the technique has been practiced since the 16th century. Its production is the work of master craftsmen, and as such each piece will have its own idiosyncrasies, but there are certain procedures and standards which must be followed before an item can claim the designation "talavera."

Preparing the Clay

Talavera is made by mixing together two types of clay and copious water. The water is strained out, along with impurities in the original clays. This initial clay production can remove as much as 50 percent of the original mass of the clays. Following the mixing and straining, the clays are further mixed together through kneading. Traditionally, the potter would perform this mixing with their feet, walking up and down large troughs of wet clay to remove air bubbles and encourage uniformity in the clay. This process results in clay that is exceptionally malleable and which can be rolled or spun thinner than raw clay.

Shaping and Initial Firing

The clay is then molded into its desired shape, either by hand, pressed into molds, or through the use of a potter's wheel. Traditional talavera is entirely handmade or thrown on a wheel.
This process is typical of any handmade pottery. What's not typical is that, following the shaping of the clay, talavera is left to dry for eight to 12 weeks. Only then is it fired. The kiln in this initial firing is maintained at 850 degrees Celsius, or 1,562 degrees Fahrenheit. During firing, the piece loses its white color and takes on a distinctive brick clay hue. At this point the piece is called "jaguete" (or "jahuete").

Glazing and Second Firing

The piece is then dipped in an earthenware glaze. After further painting and firing, this base glaze provides the shine and color associated with talavera. The piece is then glazed by hand according to traditional motifs and the inspiration of the artist. Traditional talavera is decorated with lead-based paints. As there are restrictions on the sale of lead-paint products in many countries, including the United States, many producers of talavera now opt for non-traditional mineral-based enamels.
The talavera piece is then fired for the second time. The kiln temperature for this firing is 1,050 degrees Celsius or 1,922 degrees Fahrenheit. When successfully removed from the kiln, the talavera piece is complete.

What Is Talavera

The government of Mexico set up laws regarding talavera much as the government of France has established restrictions on sparkling wine, such that only those grapes grown in the Champagne region can be made into "champagne." Properly speaking, the only Mexican pottery that can be sold as "talavera" comes from Pueblo. The above process can, of course, be enacted anywhere to produce items of similar quality. Good indicators of genuine talavera-style pottery are the artisan's signature on the bottom of the piece and the characteristic bell-like ringing which can be heard when the pieces are gently struck.

References

• Talavera etc in Puerto Vallarta Mexico explains the process for making Talavera pottery.
• About Mexican Talavera.
• Talavera Pottery.