By Suzanne Barbezat | about.com
Talavera: Talavera is a tin-enameled earthenware (Majolica) made in Puebla. Talavera pottery comes in various forms, including both functional and decorative items such as plates, serving dishes, vases and tiles. Puebla is sometimes called “The City of Tiles” because of the Talavera tiles used on the buildings.
Cielo terra cotta talavera tile. (Picture courtesy of lafuente.com)
Pottery in Puebla: The native people of Mexico had a long tradition of making pottery. With the arrival of the Spaniards the contact between these two traditions resulted in exquisite new styles, the Spaniards introducing the wheel and tin-based glaze and the native Mexicans providing skilled labor and ingenuity. It is believed that the particular techniques for making this type of Majolica pottery were introduced in Puebla by immigrants from Talavera de la Reina, Spain.
In 1653 a potter’s guild was formed and ordinances were laid down regulating the production of Talavera. Between 1650 and 1750 the production of Talavera was at its height. Originally, Talavera was white and blue. In the 18th Century new colors were introduced and green, orange and yellow began to be used.
How Talavera is Made: The basic process for making Talavera has remained the same since the 16th Century, though there have been changes in the shapes of pottery made and the style of decoration. Talavera pottery is made with two kinds of clay, a dark clay and a light, slightly rose-colored clay. Both of these clays come from the state of Puebla.
These two clays are mixed together, strained and kneaded. Each item is modeled by hand, turned on the wheel or pressed in a mold. The pieces are then left to dry from 50 to 90 days. Once dry, the pieces go through a first firing and then are hand-dipped in a glaze which will form the white background of the design. Then, stencil designs are dusted onto the pieces with charcoal powder. Each piece is hand-painted and then fired for a second time at a higher temperature.
Talavera Authenticity: Authentic talavera can be distinguished from imitations by the raised design and high gloss of the surface finish. In 1998 the Mexican Government set up the Mexican Talavera Regulatory Council (Consejo Regulador de Talavera) which regulates the production of Talavera and limits the use of the term to pieces created within the designated region of Puebla which includes the districts of Puebla, Cholula, Tecali and Atlixco. There are fewer than 20 workshops producing authentic Talavera. In order to be certified these workshops have to pass an inspection and verification process every six months.
Buying Tips: Authentic Talavera is pricey, as every piece is unique and of excellent quality. There are imitations. Original Talavera will have the name of the workshop signed at the base of the piece and will come with a DO4 certification number.
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To get additional information about talavera pottery mexico, and talavera ceramics, please visit our talavera pottery informational site.
To get additional information about talavera tile mexico, and talavera ceramics, please visit our talavera tile informational site.
by emilia brown / hb.amazines.com
Ceramics in Greek means Pottery, which is the use of clay and other minerals to make pots. But today ceramics can be defined as inorganic materials made from minerals in the earth. In ancient history decorative ceramics was a great part of many cultures including the Greeks, Arabs, Mayans, Chinese and places around the Mediterranean. Ceramics are widely used in the industrial world as well because of its heat resistant properties and also other properties. Compared to many other metals, ceramics are much lighter and are therefore used for many industrial purposes. Hand Painted ceramics were used for a lot of things in the ancient times as well but were mainly used for decorative purposes. The ancient Chinese Emperors used to give ceramics as gifts to other kings for diplomatic purposes. Pottery was always a great part of the ancient culture and was used to make things like utensils, knives, storage jars and many other household items. But glazed pottery only came into existence much later, around the time of the ancient Mesopotamian civilization.
In the Ancient Mediterranean, making decorative hand painted ceramics was also a widely practiced activity by many of the people. Ancient Egyptian pottery dates back to 3000BC and ceramics were produced on a wide scale, where they used moulds to produce pots and later on, used the wheel.
Tin-glazed pottery came out much later and once this was spread throughout many different civilizations it was used a lot because the people found it to be a lot more durable than normal pottery. The process of glazing is done by heating the clay to about 2000 degrees and then dipping it in a glaze made from tin, calcium and other minerals. This made the pots resistant to high temperatures and helped making the decorating part of the ceramic a lot easier.
Since every ceramic is handmade and hand painted it takes a lot of effort to make one and it requires a lot of skill as well. The process involves a lot of techniques since some ceramics are geometrically and figuratively painted and every culture had different styles of painting the ceramics.
Nowadays ceramics are widely used for decorating a place and can be used as the center piece of a room. The hand painted ceramics, which is still very widely practiced in parts of the world, are of great value and must be well kept. Thanks to the glazing of these ceramics, they do not have any problem of corrosion and are therefore extremely long lasting if kept well.
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tequilasource.com
Tequila is North America’s first distilled spirit, and has been produced in México since shortly after the Spanish conquered the country in the early 1500s.
To be classified as tequila, it must be made from no less than 51% Weber blue agave. Better and high-end tequilas are made from 100% Weber blue agave. Today’s fine tequilas are highly coveted by collectors worldwide—for both the smooth aromatic liquor and the handcrafted decorative bottle.
México’s tequila producers, almost all located in a one hundred-mile radius of the town of Tequila in Jalisco State, distill hundreds of brands, some the old way – in small lots in tiny family-run fabricas – most in ultra-modern distilleries. As of January 31, 2011, there are 142 registered tequila distilleries producing 1,155 certified brands. These producers are often using artisans to create unique hand-blown glass, crystal, ceramic, and Talavera pottery bottles that savvy collectors are snapping up like fine vintages of wine.
ibtimes.com
Gracia studio have completed an interesting architecture project located in Todos Santos, Mexico made up of two houses, one available for rent and the other one as a vacation home for the owners. Two basic materials were used for the finishing touch of the project’s facade: “talavera” tiles, a typical materials in México since the Spanish conquest and exposed concrete walls. These make the residence embed perfectly in its natural environment.
All the rooms in the house are open towards the pool and terrace which provides easy access to the outdoors. The focal point of this home however remains its beautiful semi-covered pool, a perfect space for socializing and relaxation. We found out that the residence was built with a relatively small budget, despite its highly intriguing appearance.
interiordesignpartners.com
Since ancient times, tile has been used for both construction and decorative purposes. It’s been an essential component throughout the history of building and design.
As early as 4000 BC, glazed tiles were used for decoration in Egypt and ancient Mesopotamia. From China and the Far East, to the Near East and throughout Europe, tile became a prominent art form as well as a beautiful and durable building material.
Tile fabrication methods and patterns have long had meaning to different regions of the world, and varied designs from different countries are now easily recognizable. Consider for example Delft from the Netherlands, Majolica from Italy, or Mexico’s intricate, decorative Talavera tiles. In each region, fabrication and decorative techniques have been carefully guarded and passed down through generations.
While handmade tile is still available, machine-made tile dominates the industry today. With the wide range of tile types available, guides and ratings for porcelain versus non-porcelain ceramic and natural stone tiles can be very helpful and informative, for both designers and consumers alike. The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) website offers an an excellent summary for the beginner.
Knowledge about different grout types and applications is critical, and can help one avoid last minute confusion that arises all too often during installations. Grout can be a blended background color that allows the tile to shine, or it can become part of the overall design, creating a pronounced grid and strong graphic effect. The Tile Doctor website is an excellent resource for learning about installation techniques such as surface preparation, joint types, and grout types and uses for flooring, shower and bath, countertops, and more.
From natural materials to high-tech innovations in tile, the range of options has expanded greatly in recent years. Glass tile, metal tile, tumbled natural stone tile, and even light-emitting tiles have all hit the market and are widely popular today. Mixing and matching different tile types has become popular recently. One such example involves the incorporation of metal tiles in stone or other natural tile designs.
The huge assortment of tile types and materials available today enables designers and their clients to create unique and personalized bathrooms, kitchens, sunrooms, floor designs, and more while carrying on the tradition begun many thousands of years ago.
Click here to get more information on talavera tile mexico
Edward Paul Skibitzke, Architect, President, BarroNica Building Products, Inc.*
“Talavera” is a name often associated with handmade glazed tiles of Mexico. Much has been written about the history of Talavera tile, which will be briefly covered in this article. Sadly, the practical and aesthetic considerations that go into the selection and use of this exuberantly beautiful tile are seldom presented in an easily understood and useful manner. This article is an attempt to rectify this situation.
A Brief History
The name “Talavera” comes from the Spanish town, Talavera de la Reina. It is reported that artisans from this town traveled to Mexico in the 2nd half of the 16th century during Spain’s colonization of the Americas. Their initial destination was Puebla, the city now most closely associated with Talavera tile and ceramics. The unique skills that these craftsmen brought with them, however, can be traced to influences Italy, North Africa, Asia and Northern Europe.
As commerce and travel increasingly interconnected different parts of Mexico during this colonial period, the products of these Spanish ceramicists from Talavera became both well known and desired throughout many parts of Latin America. It was during this period that the name “Talavera” became synonymous with the unique tile and ceramic designs flowing from the hands of these skilled craftsmen.
The Spaniards directing the work in their studios in Puebla brought indigenous people into their shops as laborers. With time, this brought about a blending of Spanish sensitivities with native aesthetics to give birth to a wide variety of tile motifs as well as a growing group of potters with ethnicities as varied as the designs they were producing. This led to a deterioration in both traditional design purity and consistent tile quality. The Spanish Viceroy responded to the growing outcry from the Spanish potters in Puebla by issuing the Decree of 1653, which strictly controlled many aspects of the ceramics trade in Mexico. These new regulations created an exact classification system for three levels of pottery, precise clay mixture formulas, specific glazing colors and design criteria for the use of these glazes, and limited the practitioners of this trade to being only pure Spanish. In 1682 an addendum was enacted to extend this control. Two of the results of these decrees were a noticeable increase in tile quality and a tightening of the range of design patterns of Talavera tile.
Eventually, forces of history, such as the stirrings of independence from Spain and increased importation of inexpensive ceramics from China, created excessive price competition to Puebla’s Talavera tile trade, leading to a sharp decrease in both demand and manufacture of this pottery.
The decline continued until a resurgence of interest emerged approximately 25 years ago. It is reported that a specific event that was part of this renewed interest was a chance discovery of an old box of Talavera tile by a person who was inspired, by this discovery, to start their own tile importing company. 25 years later, their name is now synonymous with high quality tile of many types including Talavera tile, which is now manufactured by a number of studios in Mexico. Talavera tile is now readily available through reliable importers, much to the delight of all of us in the design community who appreciate the beauty of this unique, historic artistic expression in ceramics.
Talavera Tile Use
The appropriate use of Talavera tile results from comprehending its specific qualities, namely:
Handmade and thus no two pieces are exactly alike in both design and dimension and, quite often, not perfectly flat. Glazed and thus resistant to both wear and moisture penetration but can be slippery when wet. Colorful in design but diminutive in size with typical sizes being in the 4″ x 4″ to 6″ x 6″ range. Slightly crazed surface glazing, giving it a “faceted” look under the right lighting conditions but also rendering it not completely “waterproof” Designs and colors are bold and definite and thus do not tend toward pastels or subtle edge-blending of softer glaze colors Individual tile designs that, when joined together, form a new and larger design pattern. These qualities suggest specific usages, especially in architectural styles that would be considered more “Spanish”, “Mediterranean”, or “Latin American”. Stair risers, door and window surrounds, countertops and splashes, shower walls, accent bands, and wail panels are just some of the many uses to which this tile can be put that will enhance the overall character of the buildings in which they are used.
Talavera Tile Selection
The use to which Talavera tile will be put dictates the correct selection of the particular tile being used. For example, if the tile is being used on food preparation surfaces, it is prudent to verify that the tile, in both its bisque form (fired but unglazed clay) and glazed form have been fired to a temperature appropriate for food contact. This normally means that the bisque has been fired to a cone 03 temperature. This temperature varies as per the type of testing “cone” system used in the kiln temperature testing process, but ranges from 2014° to 2068° F (1101° to 1131° C). Also, for food preparation areas, verify that the tile has been glazed with a food-safe glaze.
Because tiles, fired at this higher temperature, exhibit decreased surface crazing, use of these tiles is more appropriate where water and significant temperature variations occur such as inside showers and exterior walkway and patio accent tiles. Please note that I do not recommend large areas of Talavera tile on exterior walking surfaces because of the potential for slippage when the tiles are wet. Tiles used for backsplashes, wall panels, stair risers, and other interior and exterior vertical applications can be of a lower temperature firing with little concern.
Talavera tiles act in a wonderfully synergistic way with terracotta handmade clay floor tiles. Handmade terracotta tiles of a high quality (high-temperature fired and made from clays and topsoils rich in minerals that produce a rich range of color when wood fired) both complement and are complemented by Talavera tiles that are placed artistically within the walking surface design. The vibrant colors and smaller scale of the Talavera tiles blend and accent beautifully with the range of warm earth tones found in high quality handmade clay tiles. When used in an exterior application, care should be taken in keeping the amount of glazed Talavera tile to widths narrow enough to minimize the possibility of slippage when the walking surface becomes wet.
Talavera Tile Design Considerations
Sensitivity to the architectural “look” of the installation is an absolute necessity when using Talavara tiles. The scale, mass, and general character of the space or object being enhanced by the use of these tiles will dictate what particular pattern, color, quantity and size of Talavera tile to use so as to maximize the aesthetic impact of this particular architectural element. For instance, certain Talavera patterns lend themselves to a single tile height linear placement where other patterns are most effectively used when 4 or more tiles are placed together, forming a larger pattern.
The Viceroy Edicts of 1653 and 1682 are no longer in effect. Thus, a wider variety of patterns, designs, and colors are now available in what is still considered Talavera tile. Many of these more contemporary patterns are of a whimsical nature and might be more appropriate in spaces where a greater informality or lighter “touch” is desired such as a child’s bathroom. Also, numbered tiles in a variety of graphic styles are now available that can be effectively used as house, building, or office numbering systems. These number tiles can be enhanced by surrounding them with solid colored tiles cut to 1 to 2 inch widths. Many studios now produce solid colored tiles that are coordinated with the standard hues found in traditional Talavera tiles.
Because of the availability of these coordinated solid colors, an exiting design possibility now exists to combine panels of traditional Talavera tile with accent bands of solid colors, cur to widths whose smaller scale gives a more elegant touch to the overall installation. I often use solid color tiles under standard sized tiles as stair risers, where riser heights vary from project to project. This allows me to use a standard size tile with the solid color cut to fit the specific riser height.
This riser tile blend is normally placed under the bull nosed handmade terracotta clay tile stair tread. This combination of two hand crafted clay products yields a rich combination and contrast of colors mentioned above.
Talavera Tile Installation Considerations
Keeping in mind that usage dictates selection, the use to which the tile will be put dictates specific installation considerations. These considerations, in installation sequence, are:
Tile Preparation
Prior to beginning an installation, inspect each tile for cracks or other deformities that make its use inappropriate for the appiication intended. For example, a cracked tile that might unuseabie for a countertop could be used on a decorative vertical surface. Once placed in a wall panel, the crack may be unnoticeable and, thus, does not detract from the overall appearance of the installation. In some cases, such a crack can actually enhance the antique quality of the tile panel.
If the tile is going to be used in a constantly moist area, it might behoove you to dip the tile in a water repellant. I use a clear, proprietary, water repeliant that, when dry, gives no sign of its presence yet creates a barrier that minimizes moisture migration in either direction.
Surface Receiving Tile
The surface receiving the tile is either vertical or horizontal. Tile placed on a vertical surface is generally subjected to much less impact or abusive environmental wear than horizontal surfaces. Thus, conventional tile installation practices are appropriate most vertical surfaces.
Horizontally surfaced tile installations require increased care. Carefully inspect all horizontal surface that will receive tile, if the surface is a concrete stab, look for surface cracks wider than the thickness of a business card. Such cracks are indicative of a lack of or inadequate reinforcing steel in the concrete. These cracks, if they continue to widen, will ultimately transmit through to the tile. If cracks of this width are detected, the use of a crack isolation membrane is highly recommended. When I detect cracks of this size or when the slab is over an interior space, I specify an epoxy-based crack isolation membrane that both minimizes crack transmission into the tile and provides a waterproof membrane that protects the space below from moisture intrusion.
If the horizontal surface receiving tile is a walking surface supported by wood framing, attention must be given to deflection occurring in this framing. As the floor is walked on, a downward bowing, or deflection, occurs which can place stress on the tile, which can cause it to crack. Tile, being a brittle material, does not deflect well!
Verify that the structural members carrying this floor load are sized to carry both the live load (the people and things moving across the floor as a dynamic load) and the dead load (the weight of all building materials, including the tile and its grout bed). This structural flooring system should include a floor sheathing designed for minimal deflection between its supporting floor joists. This sheathing should be a minimum of 3/4″ thick tongue and groove material for joists that are spaced 16″ on center. If both the floor thickness and budget allow, I prefer to use a 1 1/4″ thick tongue and groove subfloor.
The subfloor should then be covered with a mortar bed conforming to specifications found in the Dimensional Stone Design Manual, published by the Marble Institute of America. These specifications, in part, call for a “slip sheet” or “isolation membrane” to be placed” directly on the subffoor, covered by a mortar bed reinforced with 2x2x16/16 steel mesh onto which the tile is placed.
Surface Preparation
The surface to be finished, whether concrete slab or mortar bed on wood subfloor, should be swept clean of all debris. A Portland Cement-based thin-set adhesive should be applied to both the receiving surface and the back of the tile with a notched trowel. The back of the tile should be fully covered with the adhesive. Place the tile onto the grouted surface, verifying that the direction of the grooves of the adhesive on the tile are laid perpendicular to the groove direction on the floor surface adhesive. Tap the tile into place. This process minimizes air pockets under the tile and maximizes adhesion between the tile and subsurface. If the Talavera tile is being used in tandem with handmade clay tile, as suggested above, attention must be given to the varying thickness of two tiles. Install the thicker tile first, using the method described above. Fill in the surface on which the Talavera tile is to be placed to a level such that, when the Talavera tile is placed on the adhesive grout bed, the surface of both tiles are at the same level.
Joint Grouting
Give design consideration to joint grouting. Such consideration includes grout joint width, grout color, grout composition, and grout texture. Grout joint width can be varied to adjust tile alignment with adjacent handmade terracotta tiles or other architectural elements that are more pleasingly incorporated into the overall architectural design when the tiles edge is aligned with these elements.
Attention should be given to the grout color as relates to the color of tile chosen. There may be a desire to accentuate the tile with a border of contrasting grout color. To more closely connect each tile with each other, use a grout color in a hue that approximates the colors found in the tile.
Grout composition refers to a sand/Portland Cement grout compared to a piaster grout. Generally, the wider the grout joint, the more the tendency to use the rougher sand/Portland Cement grout. Since Talavera tiles are handmade and thus somewhat irregular, a thicker grout joint can accommodate this irregularity more easily. Plaster grout is used when a thinner and smoother grout joint is desired.
Grout texture, even when a sand/Portland Cement grout is used, can be kept smoother by using a “tooled” joint. A slightly rounded smooth metal tool is used like a miniature trowel as it is drawn over the joint, creating a slight indentation that is made smooth by the use of this instrument. A rougher texture can be achieved by using what is referred to as a “sack rubbed finish”, achieved by gently rubbing the grout joint flush with the surface of the tile with a burlap sack cloth after the grout has become somewhat firm.
If Talavera tile is being installed along side handmade clay tile, apply a grout release to the tile prior to installing the grout, this keeps the fine particles of Portland Cement from becoming imbedded in the tile which will dul! the rich warm tones of the terracotta prior to finishing.
Sealing And Finishing
Sealing and finishing is done after the grout is fully dry. DO NOT attempt this process until both the tile and grout joints are completely dry otherwise moisture can become trapped in the handmade clay tile and cause a milky film to form on the tile after sealing and finishing.
I first apply a thin coat of the clear water repellent mentioned above in “1. Tile Preparation”. This creates the initial protective barrier that penetrates both the tile and the grout and on to which is applied the final finishing coats. The final coats of sealer/top coat are more for the benefit of the grout joints and terracotta tile than they are for the Talavera tile which has already gained its resistance to the elements from its glaze. Apply as many final coats as is necessary to achieve the finish and texture desired. These coats should be thinly applied to minimize “blushing” (a milky white forming within the coat).
Summary
Much more could be written in each of the above segments of this article however it is my hope that this limited presentation has given you a greater appreciation of this wonderful tile called “Talavera” and directed you on a path that helps you use it in an optimum manner in terms of both aesthetics and function.
*This article can be reproduced as far as the text, links, and this notice are kept intact. Barronica Building Products and Fine Crafts & Imports. All rights reserved.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRLog (Press Release) – May 12, 2011 – COLORADO SPRINGS, CO –La Fuente Imports is now able to offer their clientele the beautiful, hand-crafted and painted Talavera tiles with Day of the Dead motifs. These eye-catching accent pieces are great for placing in kitchens, baths, hanging on the wall around your indoors’ bar area or outside party area. Also, the decorative ceramic tiles are perfect for covering the risers on a staircase. In order to ‘waste not’, use your left-over tiles as excellent coasters and trivets. One the practical side, these tiles may serve for both decorative and functional purposes, simultaneously. Andy Fuentes, owner of La Fuente, is even offering a special on these spectacular tiles – “Buy by the box and save 20 percent!”
Little has changed in the manufacturing process of Talavera tiles, since their inception in Mexico in 1653, when a potters’ guild was formed to regulate their manufacturing. Today, the basic process remains virtually the same.
The Day of the Dead is a festivity which originated in Mexico over 500 years ago, to honor their dead in the after-life. It is also a celebration of life after death, and takes place each year on the 2nd of November. Though now considered a Catholic festivity, other countries are also now celebrating this date with parades.
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About La Fuente Imports Since 1997, La Fuente Imports is the Internet’s top source for the finest in home furnishings, accessories, and artwork from south of the border. They are proud to provide a pleasant shopping experience by offering the most original items available from Mexico, Central and South America, all at very affordable prices. At La Fuente Imports they work directly with every artist and hand-select each piece to ensure the highest possible quality and variety for their customers.
La Fuente Imports has transitioned to an internet-based business and therefore no longer offers a brick and mortar storefront. The Colorado Springs warehouse is available to pick up merchandise by appointment only. Visit them at www.lafuente.com.
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oldvallarta.com
One of the things I like about Mexico is its copious use of beautiful tile, often handmade.
The Talavera tiles from the city of Puebla, which are distinguished by their milky-white glaze, are justifiably famous around the world — and like champagne from France, tile can only be called Talavera if it’s from Puebla.
But several years ago a Puerto Vallarta tile merchant had a problem with his Puebla suppliers being unable to get enough tile to fill his orders — so he spent much time and work recreating “Talavera” pottery closer to home.
Now, in his Vallarta store, you can find a great selection of the most gorgeous, high-quality tiles and other ceramics — including Talavera-style — in the quantities you need.
Click here to get more information on talavera tile mexico. Mundo del Azulejos (Tile World) has been, for 20 years, the family enterprise of Señor Benigno Ibarra Castañeda. He has trained a new generation in the ancient Talavera processes, from the makers of the blank tiles (in the Valle Nayarit) to the glazers and artisans who decorate them (in Puerto Vallarta).
In addition to tiles, you’ll find Talavera-style sinks, serving platters, dishes, wall murals, house numbers, and more. You can shop online but prices are confusing, variously in pesos and dollars.
Why not visit Sr. Castañeda’s store in person at Venustiano Carranza 374, Col. Emiliano Zapata? If you’re like me, you’ll want to take with you only as much money as you can afford to spend, because everything’s way too attractive….
virtualvallarta.com
As you discover Puerto Vallarta, it is difficult to miss the ubiquitous oval-shaped ceramic door signs outside many of its buildings, or the square hand-painted tiles that adorn their different rooms, or the ornate plant holders, picture frames, plates, mugs and even bathroom sinks available for sale in many of our gift shops. In fact, this type of ceramic, known as Talavera, is the oldest of its type in America and is still manufactured today using essentially the same techniques as when it originally arrived from Spain.
A Long Time Ago… Many Spaniards settled in Mexico after conquering the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan in 1521, marking the beginning of the colonial period, which lasted until 1810. Among them, a group of Dominican preachers from Talavera de la Reina, a city in the western part of the province of Toledo, Spain, took it upon themselves to share religious teachings with Mexican natives in the city of Puebla.
Even at that time and to this date, Talavera de la Reina was well known throughout Europe for its fine ceramic work. Accidents do happen, however, and soon the dishes the Dominicans carefully packed and traveled to the new world with began to chip and even break. Confronted with a dilemma, they had to choose between importing more dishes from Spain, a costly and time-consuming affair, and training their local followers to create their own. They chose the latter. Soon enough, people became interested in purchasing the at-the-time nameless brand of ceramics, which became known as Talavera, and one of Puebla’s two most enduring traditions, mole poblano the other. Furthermore, this became a most profitable way for the Dominicans to fund the construction of new churches and monasteries.
Today, Talavera earthenware is better known as such in Mexico than in its city of origin. And while it continues to be at the zenith of its manufacture, Puerto Vallarta has positioned itself as an important source of this treasured staple of Mexican craft.
Talavera is produced locally at Mundo de Azulejos, a small, unassuming factory / showroom located in South Side. In the beginning, founder Benigno “Benny” Ibarra imported Talavera from Puebla, but due to inconsistent manufacturers and increasingly unpredictable delivery schedules he had to make similar decisions to those of the Dominican preachers, eventually opting to produce locally using regional materials. It took Ibarra over three years of trial and error to harness the local clay to produce his own ceramic pieces and the minerals required to paint them in a much more humid climate than Puebla’s. And while many manufacturers today rely on machinery to produce carbon copies of each piece, Ibarra chose to stick to the tradition of producing and painting his by hand, infusing them with uniqueness and originality.
the process A visit to Mundo de Azulejos is a study in contrast. The street level and second-story showrooms are replete with a colorful variety of tiles, planters, bathroom fixtures, kitchen murals and tableware. Meanwhile, the factory occupies the third and fourth stories, with a nonstop whirlwind of artisans meticulously hand-painting the myriad pieces. These are made with clay that is collected from the Valley of Nayarit, shaped in molds and allowed to dry naturally, a process that takes approximately eight to 10 days. Once dry, pieces are quite fragile and must be sanded and fired to prepare them for the decorative process. Thousands of such pieces are stored in the warehouse, waiting to be decorated.
Production manager Eduardo Castro supervises a crew of artisans, many of whom were hired with pre-existing talent but further trained specifically to work with clay. Each of these artisans sits at a production station, surrounded by various mineral-based paints and brushes. Pieces are first coated with white enamel and then painted individually, always by hand, sometimes aided by plastic stencils. On average, it takes each artisan between 10 and 30 minutes to paint an individual tile. The colors used are deceptively soft, pastel-like. The pieces come to life with strikingly rich colors as if by magic, however, when they are fired for five hours at a temperature of 1100° Celsius (2012° Fahrenheit) in any of Mundo de Azulejos’ six enormous gas kilns.
“This is no small potatoes,” comments Castro, who’s been with the company for 12 years. “We only fire the kilns once a day. It takes approximately 30 minutes for them to come to the proper temperature. Once we close them, there is no turning back.” With an average monthly gas bill of $2,000 USD, there is little margin for error; nevertheless, this enthusiastic crew is able to produce a custom-inscribed wall plaque, a popular souvenir, in 24 – 48 hours.
Quality does not come cheap. Since traditional Talavera must be painted by hand, manufacture and labor costs can make it slightly more expensive than other types of pottery. Regardless, people from all over the world, from Hollywood personalities to Arabian royalty, have chosen to decorate their homes with Talavera produced here in Puerto Vallarta.
By Paco Ojeda
lafuente.com
The world of interior design knows Talavera pottery as an ornate style of ceramics produced solely in Mexico by proud local artisans. These vibrantly colored, handcrafted works of art have been fashioned in the same way for centuries and appreciated for their quality and aesthetics for just as long. So what is it about Mexican Talavera that makes it so special?
As you can imagine, Mexican Talavera has a long and rich history. Named after the Spanish village of Talavera de la Reina, this renowned ceramic art boasts a melting pot of multiculturalism. The Spanish contribution dates back to the invasion of the Moors, who brought their knowledge of ceramics from ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, and which was later refined by a combination of the Italian Renaissance and artisans from the Orient. Later, Spanish colonists brought their highly refined ceramic skills to Mexico, where they were once again blended with the unique pottery styles of Aztec, Mayan and other indigenous cultures.
It’s not just the history of Mexican Talavera that makes it so desirable. Excellent craftsmanship is a common trademark of Talavera pottery. The process begins by blending together two different clays, then soaking them thoroughly in water to improve pliability. When it’s determined that the clay is ready, having been removed of impurities, it’s then formed into the desired shape by hand, molds or a potter’s wheel. Next, the newly constructed form is left to dry for up to three months. Once the artist has inspected and approved the dried clay, the piece then undergoes the first of two firings. The initial firing turns the clay into a reddish-orange color that is then brightly painted with intricate patterns – a trademark of Talavera ceramics. Afterwards, the pottery is submerged in a special tin-glaze, then fired once more. The final product – what was once an ordinary mound of clay – is now a beautiful work of Talavera art.
Talavera pottery is known for brilliant colors set against a pristine white background. Typically, the vivid patterns are slightly raised, and the entire piece is smoothed over by a glossy sheen. Yellow, green and mauve were traditionally the most prolific colors used to decorate Talavera, although cobalt blue was the most desired. Due to the expensive mineral pigments required for its use, this regal color became a way to identify the finest quality of Talavera ceramics.
Today, Talavera patterns can be simple and bold or elaborate and highly detailed. Floral patterns are perhaps the most common, but when it comes to Mexican Talavera, creativity is limitless. Although some patterns might appear similar, hand-painted Talavera is never identical. This should be no cause for concern, however, as color and pattern themes almost always exist, and the individual character of each piece will only enhance your Talavera collection or home décor. This is especially true if you consider decorating your home with Talavera tile.
One of the most predominant characteristics of colonial Mexican cities, in particular the city of Puebla located in central Mexico, is the beautiful Talavera tiles. In the 17th and 18th centuries, as the production of Talavera pottery continued to grow, striking tile and tile murals began to adorn Mexican churches, buildings, stairways, gardens and homes. These architectural examples splashed color in an otherwise dull stretch of concrete and brought kitchens and bathrooms to life in a way that only Talavera tile could deliver. Now, more than ever, this style continues to be embraced as authentically Mexican.
When it comes to Mexican and southwestern home décor, Talavera pottery and Talavera tile can be an essential part of capturing an authentic design motif. At La Fuente Imports we strive to offer the most outstanding and diverse selection of handcrafted Talavera tiles found anywhere on the web. Also, be sure to browse our exceptional Talavera plates and platters, plus everything else for decorating your home including Talavera vases, canisters, planters and more!
