Talavera Plate

Talavera Poblana is an exquisite type of pottery whose history goes back hundreds of years. The lovely and beautiful colonial city of Puebla, located just 70 miles from Mexico City, is home to this world-renowned art form. In addition to purchasing authentic Talavera pottery in Puebla, there are many reasons to visit the city, including sampling its fabulous regional cuisine. Some of Puebla’s delectable dishes include their famous mole poblana sauce as well as the seasonal delicious dish of chiles en nogada. Additionally, the historic center of Puebla has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Undoubtedly, one of the reasons for this honor is due to the absolutely stunning tile work that decorates the town’s historic colonial buildings.

Mexico has a rich and long history with producing ceramics, predating the arrival of the Spanish by several centuries. Stunning pre-Columbian artifacts from its many civilizations attest to this fact. The indigenous peoples of Mexico, long acquainted with making items from clay, had their own distinct method of producing earthenware, one which did not involve glazing or the use of the potter’s wheel.

Shortly after Puebla was founded in 1531, the Spanish feverishly began building churches, monasteries and convents. To decorate these buildings, craftsman from the city of Talavera de la Reina, located in Spain, were commissioned to come to the New World to produce fine tiles as well as other ceramic ware. In addition, these same craftsman were to teach the indigenous artisans their technique of Majolica pottery, in order to increase production levels.

The tradition that the Spanish craftsmen brought from Talavera de la Reina to the New World has a fascinating history. During the 8th century, the Moors from Northern Africa conquered Spain and with their arrival, the customary blending of cultures occurred. One such consequence was the introduction of Majolica pottery, an art form known for its beautiful glazes and intricate design work. A major component of Majolica is its glazing technique which contains tin as an ingredient. This particular type of glaze provides a creamy white background that is ideal for applying design.

Spanish craftsman from Talavera de la Reina embraced the techniques of Majolica and also added to the art form. Chinese and Italian influences were incorporated and guilds of craftsmanship, where strict adherence to technique were required, were formed. This dedication was brought from Spain to Mexico. Guilds were summarily established in Mexico with appropriate standards and regulations. The indigenous craftsmen incorporated their artistic heritage with the techniques of Majolica pottery. A beautiful marriage was formed between the old world and the new, and Puebla became the birthplace of an exquisite art form known as Talavera Poblana.

Talavera Urn

An elaborate process is involved in making a piece of Talavera pottery. First, comes the selection of the clay, which is chosen from the area of Puebla and nearby vicinities. The clay found in this region is known for its fine quality. After a detailed process of washing and soaking the clay, it is then hand-formed or shaped on a potter’s wheel into its desired form. Next, it is allowed to dry in the sun for a matter of days, after which it is fired at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. A test is performed at this point, making sure there are no cracks in the object. This is followed by an initial glazing process after which the hand-painted design is applied. This stage differs in length, dependent upon the intricacy of the design work involved. A final firing is performed. Before being offered for sell, a certification process is next on the agenda. This is to ensure that the piece meets regulations and the level of excellence in craftsmanship has been achieved. It is at this time, provided all conditions have been met, that the piece is stamped with the maker’s mark along with a registration number.

One characteristic of authentic Talavera pottery is the quality of detail in the painting, expertly applied. There is a raised appearance to the painted line, accompanied by a glossy sheen. Only natural earth pigments are used for the colors found in true Talavera. In its early days, the finest pottery was painted with a deep blue mineral, the most expensive pigment. This color motif, placed on the creamy white of the fired clay, was much sought after. It also provided a quality measure, reassuring the buyer that the piece they were purchasing was of the highest caliber. Other colors were introduced in 18th century, including yellow, green and mauve.

Today, when visiting the city of Puebla, you will be able to purchase authentic Talavera tiles, vases and dishes, along with many other fine Talavera objects. As well, you can see first-hand how Talavera tiles were used extensively in the decoration of the city’s historic churches, monasteries and ex-convents.

MEXonline.com

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Mexican Jarro De Barro

Authentic Mexican Clay Pot

Jarro De Barro

This Jarro De Barro is a clay pot used for cooking authentic Mexican dishes. Beans are a daily Mexican food and they are always cooked in a Jarro. Never ever ever will you see beans in Mexico cooked on anything else.

Barro literally means “mud” but generally means “clay,” and olla means “pot.” Ollas are large, deep clay pots perfect for simmering beans, stews and soups. The clay heats evenly and is perfect for all-day cooking over a direct flame. The clay can be fragile and sensitive to quick temperature changes. Cooking in the clay pots imparts an earthy flavor to the dish.

Casuela De Barro

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Mexican Modern Day Sculpture

These years Mexico’s Modern Day Sculpture is a coming together of the Old Mexican World with new world perception. Mexico went through a radical transformation between 1920 and 1940 due to the end of the revolution. The end of the revolution brought unleashed energy of transformation that was unparalleled. It brought excitement and creativity to the artists and the intellectuals, as new identities, personal and cultural were being formed. New manifestos and ideologies popped up daily.

Old San Carlos Academy, now known as the “Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes,” was one of the casualties of the New Mexican Spirit. The academy was wedged in European roots and Mexico had no desire for its romantic, schmaltzy or typical religious traditions. Mexico sought after its own authentic voice. Mexican artists desired modern day sculpture that would have continuity between Mexico’s pre-Columbian past and the Mexico of their day. They found a home in the Muralist movement and in a redefining of the sculptor’s aesthetic.

At the academy, the ideals of the sculptors as well as the painters had lost their credibility. They had a new vision which was to reconnect with their pre-Historic past, in this case with the sculpture of the period even though some of the “new age” sculptors were also finding their own voice.

Famous sculptures Rivera and Siqueiros, influential voices of the time, spoke out for direct carving so as to work the way their pre-Hispanic ancestors had done while the new generation of sculptors wanted to cut directly into the material.

The rising generation of sculptors discovered the work of the ancient civilizations and studied it looking into the alter pieces and carved work on the exterior of churches that were created during the vice-regal period. Still, they would not leave the European based training they had been given. They were taught to be accomplished draftsmen. They were also taught proportion, scale and the power of the monumental or the turgid.

Mexico’s modern day sculptors looked to the passed for inspiration and to their European knowledge. The challenge was to recognize the diverse face of the Mexican culture and the racial blending of Europe and the new world and unite it with the new materials- cardboard, wood, stone and bronze. The combination of their Mexican inspiration and their European knowledge have greatly contributed to Mexico’s Modern Day Sculpture.

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Mexican 'Sarapes' (Authentic Mexican Wool Blanket)

Shopping in Mexico is always great, but the experience of shopping in the ‘tianguis’ of Mexico(Mexican street market) is unsurpassed. The ‘tianguis’ became famous in pre-Columbian times. During pre-Columbian times the ‘tianguis’ were stationary bazaars. They became popular because or their size and large variety of produce. Since then, the traveling ‘tianguis’ has developed with its own distinct enhancement to keep the market place conveniently close to the inhabitants of Mexico’s largest cities as well as the smaller towns.

The streets are magically transformed into jovial ‘tianguis.’ Their roofs are pink, yellow and other gaily colored fabric. They begin to come into view at their peripatetic destination at about 7:00 AM  with their bundles of metal truss, crossbeams and wooden planks all of which are magically converted into a maze of impermanent stands. By 9:00 Am., the streets are transformed into a bazaar of stalls that wave with everything from produce to Mexican blankets to ninja turtles. The ‘tianguis’ will set up one day every two weeks at the same location. They (vendors) come with trucks filled with pots, Mexican blankets, pillows, rugs, clothing, electronics and just about everything and anything you could want.

The quality of the Mexican blankets and most products varies according to the region. In prosperous areas one can select from blushing fruit and fresh vegetables while the less prosperous areas are limited to seasonal domestic products.

The families who work the open area markets are part of a loosely organized and informal commercial association. Each ‘tianguis’ has its own leader who is responsible for assigning each vendor his place and who secures the necessary permission from the local government for setting up the market in the public thoroughfare. The vendor in turn pays their leader a daily quota for the privilege of doing business with the group. The price varies according to the location of the stall and the location of the ‘tianguis’.

For those of you who are new to Mexican shopping, I am happy to share pertinent information on Mexican shopping at the ‘tianguis,’

• Most importantly, take lots of small bills or change as most vendors will have change for no more than $50.00
• Look for bargains on everything, specially produce and fresh flowers
• Buying meat is not recommended

Getting products to the ‘tianguis’ is not always easy. Most vendors of produce and food items are up way before dawn, scouring the wholesale warehouse districts looking for bargains. The more fortunate families load up the family pickup but the more humble merchants are forced to cart their wares in bicycle driven carts, taxi, bus or a hired truck.

This distinctive  blend of pre-Columbian tradition and modern day practicality make the ‘tianguis’ a wonderful and enjoyable shopping experience which would leave you with unique and exceptional memories.

If you still don’t have the feeling and comfort that comes when sitting in your favorite spot, under a  beautiful, warm Mexican blanket , as you enjoy watching the snow storm outside, just let me know and  I am more than happy to send some to you at a special price.

Mexican 'Sarapes' (Authentic Mexican Wool Blanket)

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What is it about Mexican Needlework Artistry (also called punto de cruz or cross stitch) which is the traditional needlecraft in the state of Michoacan Mexico that make it such a sought after Mexican Artistry? One reason could be filament through the fabric surrounded by needlepoint, such as a flower with shades of violet, magenta and lavender with an aqua and maroon background signifying the shades of the seasons and perhaps the seasons of life of the person behind the needlework artistry.

Artisans purchase “guanego”-a white cotton blouse- and adorn them with flowers in needlepoint also called “punto de cruz” – cross stitch- around the neckline. They nudge flowers into existence as though leading a blank breadth of nothingness to the edge of a sheer cliff where it dives deliciously into high-spirited colors.

Cocucho, Michoacan, Mexico is well known for its elegant clay pots but has also earned a reputation for its Mexican needlework artistry.  The greatest challenge of the craft presents itself when the borders are made for the different panels of color. They have to count how many lines and then start making the cross stitch. They make blouses, dresses, men’s shirts, aprons, napkins, and rebozos. Most artisans prefer not to use the same design twice. They finish one design and start with another one.

The hands of many artisans defy the pestilence of time, and awaken yet another piece of fabric from its slumber. One of the most popular items of the Mexican Needlework Artistry is the “Guanengos.” Guanengos are blouses which require three to four months to complete.

While abundant flourishes of violet, magenta, orange, mauve, ocean blue and opulent green rush in torrents across the guanengos of today, they haven’t always commanded such visual importance. The more colorful designs began on the scene in the 1980’s.

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Mexican Wrought Iron Candlehlder

Wrought iron, tin and pewter are some of the Mexican metal arts that will help you transform any room in your house into a beautiful Southwestern retreat.

Mexican rustic wrought iron accessories is one of the most popular materials used to accent rustic or Southwest décor because of its’ beauty and strength. Wrought iron accessories can include ornate candelabras, iron candleholders, floor and table lamps, chandeliers, plate racks, pot stands and many more iron home accessories.

Mexican aged tin and natural tin are also very popular when it comes to Mexican metal arts. There is a wide variety of Mexican metal arts and crafts that will dramatically accent your home or rustic cabin. Aged tin includes tin lamp shades, decorative switch plates, rustic tin table lamps, tin star lights, decorative mirrors, wall sconces, rustic picture frames, tin accents, hanging lights and fixtures, Mexican crosses and so much more.

Mexican natural tin includes beautiful home accessories produced by meticulous craftsmen. Any room can be accentuated with natural tin switch plates, natural tin accents and natural tin mirrors. Also you can very easily give your garden a touch of the Southwest by adding a couple of galvanized tin accessories.

Another Mexican metal craft  that is popular is pewter. It is wonderful for home accenting. Pewter crafts make great gifts. Better yet, you can enjoy the exquisite beauty and craftsmanship yourself. Mexican pewter is a non-toxic alloy of aluminum and the tableware pieces can be used for preparation and serving. Each piece is sand-casted by hand and polished by skilled metal craft artisans.

We can’t forget Mexican bronze accents. The bronze accents include animal accents and surfaces, door knockers and belts, Patina bronze door handles & pulls, decorative nail heads and much more.

There is so much to pick from when it comes to Mexican Metal Arts. You can transform your own home with a little help. You can start with a few accents for one room at a time. Before you realize, you have transformed you home with a little Southwest décor. Let me know if I can help you out, I’d be happy to.  Enjoy your Mexican retreat.

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Since the beginning of the history of Mexican ceramics, ceramics took a prevailing place in the lives of Mexican people. Since the appearance of the Olmec culture, which is considered to be the “mother of the Mesoamerican cultures,” anthropomorphic figures, vessels and various types of utensils found in the archaeological ruins of the ancient Olmec cities of Tajin, San Lorenzo, La Venta and Tres Zapotes, all suggest the techniques they used in their ceramics: use of clay, knowledge of some primitive firing techniques and their ways of painting designs and coloring.

The Olmecs (1500 B.C. – 800 A.D.)  left their knowledge to the future cultures.

The Teotihuacans transcended their era (1500 B.C. – 800 A.D) made most of their vessels with clay and decorated them with a variety of techniques: mainly stucco, smoothing and painting.

The Aztecs (1325 A.D. – 1521 A.D.) pottery varied widely. They made all types of earthenware, pots, cups, jugs and plates, mostly with orange and red clay.

The Mixtecs stood out for their polychrome lacquer ceramics. After polishing each piece, they would cover it with white stucco and then paint over it.

Over to the north of Mexico the Casas Grandes (100 A.D. – 1360 A.D.) produced beautiful polychrome ceramic. They made them basically with geometric motives and influences from the Mimbres Culture.

Every region had its own unique characteristics of Mexican ceramics. Yet, in all these cultures, the potter himself was given very much importance. The Aztecs summed it up this way:

“A good potter:

• He puts great care into his work,
• He teaches the clay to lie,
• He speaks with his own heart,
• He brings life to things,
• He creates them,
• He knows  everything as if he were a Toltee
• He makes his hands skillful.”

The same ancient techniques used to make Mexican ceramics are still being used today in some parts of Mexico. These groups were able to preserve the artistic techniques such as coil building, natural pigments and open firing.

This colorful ceramic decor will make any room or patio come to life. What room would you like to decorate with colorful Mexican ceramics. It’s easier than you think and I am more than happy to help.  

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Mexican Pinata

Piñatas for Mexican Theme Parties

When it comes to Mexican goods, the Piñata is one of the first things that come to mind. Piñatas are enjoyed world wide for their festive presence and the promise of fun.  They are beautiful fabulous creations and are used for party decorations and are also used as a fun game.  Usually it is heightened at the end of a party with candies and toys inside it.

In the past piñatas offered traditional motifs, such as the seven pointed star and the classic donkey.  Today, piñatas can be purchased that look like Sponge Bob, Superman, and Mickey Mouse or just about anything you desire. Most of us associate piñatas as being only Mexican but their origins are elsewhere.

Unlike most Mexican goods, the piñata’s origins are multi cultural.  The merchant and great traveler, Marco Polis is known to have seen a version of the modern-day piñata when he was exploring in the Orient 13^th Century. He observed the Mandarin people celebrating the New Year.  They were celebrating with miniature representations of animals that were fashioned out of craft materials and made hollow to accommodate seeds.  On a given holiday, it would be displayed, usually hanging from a tree branch and beaten with a stick, therefore releasing the contents inside the piñata. Seeds represented a good forthcoming harvest and also portended wealth and prosperity.

Marco Polo, as legend claims, upon returning to his native Italy,  loaded his vessel with luxurious silks, exotic spices and he also brought an ancient version of the modern-day piñata and introduced it the Catholic Church, and it became intertwined with religious holidays. It was not long before the tradition spread from Italy to Spain which in turn came to New World from Spain. The missionaries used the piñata to teach the natives their religious doctrine. Interestingly, this method succeeded in teaching the indigenous peoples of Mexico because they already had their own version of the piñata.

The Aztecs would honor their god each year with a gift. This offering took shape in the form of a clay pot that contained presents. When the contents fell to the ground, it was a sign to the Aztecs that the offerings had been received.

Wearing a blindfold while trying to break open the piñata is also rooted in the past. The ancient Mayans were known to play their favorite game blindfolded. Taking note of this practice was the Spanish missionaries and they incorporated the blindfold into the teachings with the piñata.

Today, piñatas are one of the most sought after Mexican Goods. Piñatas are in very high demand in the United States.  The most popular piñatas have to do with a child’s birthday party. Children love the game as well as the hidden treasures inside.

Getting a piñata for your next event or party will truly give it a special festive feeling. Given time I can provide any and all shapes of pinatas. If you wish, I would be more than happy to help you with the planning or simply in  making suggestions for your Mexican party.

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Talavera- Mexican Earthenware

Due to the Spaniards arrival, the blending of societies allowed the indigenous people of Mexico to learn combinations of styles that gave life to some of the more famous ceramic styles of  Mexican Earthenware such as Talavera or “majolica”.

Talavera from the state of Puebla is a descendant of the Arabic-Andalusion tradition, which began in the ninth century in Spain when the influence of the Arabic culture passed on its techniques to peninsular potters. In Talavera, de la Reina, Spain, it was very popular and it took a characteristic stylistic form in the 16^th Century. It was brought to the Americas, especially Nueva España (the new Spain,) as was the name that Mexico was called in colonial times.

Although the Mexican Earthenware Talavera is only produced in the state of Puebla, other majolica type earthenware is also produced in places such as Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato and San Miguel de Aallende.

As we go further west, in Tonala, Jalisco, which is another state in Mexico, there is a long tradition of ceramic production. Here in Jalisco, there is a more of a Persian influence, including such things as stew urns and the use of gold and silver.

In the city of Metepec in the State of Mexico, the ceramic tradition has been influence by Christian beliefs. This is where they create the well-known, arboles de la vida (trees of life,) because it explains the origins of life.  Most of the time there are figures of God, angles and Adam and Eve. Also popular are the figures of the serpent and some fruits. Red Ware is used to make things such as cooking pots, dishes and table dishes all of which are typical of the state of Michoacan.  The state of Oaxaca is famous for its barro negro or black clay.  The small town of Mata Ortiz in the state of Chihuahua, stands out for its beautiful pottery as well.

Within Talavera Mexican Earthenware, there now exists new forms and new designs for typical Mexican artwork. Late in the 1950s, stoneware or High Temperature ceramics appeared in Mexico. The origin of this type of ceramics is from China, Korea and Japan.

Mexican Ceramics bring together influences of pre-Hispanic, European, Arabic and Oriental Cultures. Whichever technique, Mexican ceramics have a flavor and individuality that is appreciated for its quality and art worldwide.

Talavera has such beauty that it has the ability transform any room. I am a big fan of Talavera and would love to help you get what you need or want.

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