Tlaquepaque Pottery Guide
Tlaquepaque (pronounced: tla-keh-pa-keh) pottery has gained in popularity over the years, catching the attention of folk art enthusiasts as well as antique collectors. Originating in the South American tradition of brightly colored ceramics, Tlaquepaque pottery is a craft that has become art. Whether you have an eye for older, more expensive pieces or are looking for some colorful stoneware with a lot of character, Tlaquepaque pottery covers a wide range of functional and decorative pieces.
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Tlaquepaque Jalisco Mexico
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Tlaquepaque was once a small village in Mexico, southeast of Guadalajara, Jalisco. The name literally means " place above clay land." Although it was taken in as part of the city, Tlaquepaque is still recognized as a shopping district abundant with arts, crafts, galleries and food. During weekends and festivals, visitors can listen to mariachi bands playing most of the day while strolling through the market and perusing the fine original arts and crafts done in ceramic, stoneware and blown glass.
Varied Pieces
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Tlaquepaque pottery is traditionally clay stoneware. It is painted with bright colors and interesting scenes depicting birds, plants, animals and even images of daily life of Tlaquepaque farming and other community activities. You can purchase pottery in any type you can imagine, whether you are looking for antiques or inexpensive pieces to decorate your home. From plates to bowls and serving platters, you can find pieces fashioned into bottles and small drinking glasses. Bottles created for holding Holy Water are another type of unusual but classic Tlaquepaque pottery, being made in the image of such saints as Our Lady of San Juan de Los Lagos and the patron saint of Guadalajara, Our Lady of Zapopan.
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Age Ranges
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Ancient fragments of pottery have been discovered in Guadalajara but as such are only useful for archaeological study. You can, however, find perfectly usable and intact pieces of Tlaquepaque pottery dating back to the 1930s and earlier. Of course the tradition of crafting ceramics is still alive and well in the Tlaquepaque district of Guadalajara, so it is possible to find pieces made in the present-day in the markets or online at such sites as Desert Traders Antiques and The Bungalow Store. The contemporary pieces are still made in the customary fashion with bright paint and traditional scenes.
Pricing
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The price range for Tlaquepaque pottery varies depending on factors such as age and type and size of piece. Pieces made in the present-day and typically found in the markets of Tlaquepaque are very affordable for the typical tourist starting around $10 to $15. A set of pottery, such as a pitcher or bottle with glasses or cups will cost more, upwards of $30, because of the number of items within the group. The older pieces that are considered antiques can cost in the thousands and many times are auctioned off to bring in the highest possible price.
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References
Resources
- "Arts de Mexico #87; Ceramics From Tlaquepaque"; Artes de Mexico; June 2007
- Photo Credit Creatas/Creatas/Getty Images
