Mexican Wholesale

posted by AetnaJo on Mar 1

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.

posted by AetnaJo on Jan 17

Obsidian Finished Product

Mexico’s obsidian deposits are the third largest obsidian deposits in the world and are located west of the city of Guadalajara. These obsidian deposits are archaic only by the deposits of the Oregon Plateau and Africa’s Rift Valley. Obsidian is formed when lava cools or is degassed in different ways.

The Obsidian in West Mexico probably started as lava oozing from the cracks in the side of the Tequila Volcano millions of years ago which was after the volcano’s more striking eruptions into the air. More lava came forward less than 90,000 years ago from the Colli area where presently we find the Primavera Forest. This resulted in the Tequila-Colli axis becoming one of the world’s impressively large ancient mining zone for this natural glass which provided the pre-Columbian inhabitants of what is currently western Mexico with a priceless “gift of the gods,” which clearly created their destiny.

Huge chunks of obsidian are made into objects with the use of bare hands and a saw. These chunks of obsidian are made into sleek ultra-modern sculptures all appearing to be black. These pieces are attractive with some representing animals and some are just simple forms of very chic objects which are black and all beautifully polished.

These objects or spheres are made of sangre-de-indio (Indian Blood) obsidian and must be taken into the sun in order to appreciate their colors. It’s amazing how a tear-shaped piece that seems black in the indoor shade will come to life in the sunlight, illuminating bright bands of color profoundly beneath the surface. This is known as rainbow obsidian. Some of the pieces when turned in the sunshine will glimmer with a golden or silver shine.

The Navajas artisans started by creating small butterflies and hearts. As time passed, they were given clay models made by accomplished Mexican sculptors and they were dared to render the works of art in obsidian. Soon afterwards they were creating elegant sculptures which have found their way to museums and overseas. The sangre-de-indio obsidian is from a hill just outside Navajas, but place with the best obsidian comes from a little town about 65 kilometers north of there.

Archeologist Rodriguo Esparza, who is referred to as “the Obsidian Detective,” explained that the colors in obsidian come from traces of different minerals embedded in it. A minuscule amount of iron gives you red, while a tiny bit of copper makes it green. “Neutron Activation Analysis gives us a printout of every last trace element in a piece of obsidian,” says Esparza. They have exact measurements of rare elements like rubidium, lanthanum and molybdenum and they can now prove that an obsidian artifact unearthed in California originally came from an obsidian mine in the Mexican state of Jalisco.

It has been learned about the many ways obsidian was used in the past. No metal knife on earth can have as sharp an edge as an obsidian blade because obsidian is glass and has no crystal structure, while metals are limited to the makeup of their crystal restrictions. An obsidian scalpel is many times sharper than a metal one.

Obsidian was used to make the ‘macahuitl,’ a flat wooden sword tipped with obsidian blades. It was also used to make arrowheads, scrapers, jewelry and a wide range of other objects.

The most inquisitive obsidian deposit is the mine of San Isidro Mazatepec, which can only be entered by crawling on one’s hands and knees and it has a colony of vampire bats that are not happy about any intrusion.

Without a doubt, to the people without metal tools, Mexico’s obsidian was a divine gift which provided them with the sharpest imaginable blades and arrowheads for hunting, eating and fighting.

Mexican Obsidian Resources

posted by AetnaJo on Sep 30

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.  

posted by AetnaJo on Sep 28

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.

posted by AetnaJo on Sep 28

Huichol Bead Work

Huichol Mexican Arts

One of the four indigenous groups living in the region known as the Gran Nayar, and have had big influence in Mexican Arts are the Huicholes. This region is located in the southern part of the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains.

The Huichol people have made large contributions in the area of handicrafts within the Mexican Arts. The customs and traditions of this fascinating group of people are not well known as they are seldom seen outside of the central western region of Mexico, where they live.

The Huichols are known for their handicrafts, clothing, and food and ritual items. The characteristic style of dress for Huichol females is their short cotton blouse and flowering skirts. Their outfits are embroidered with colorful designs. They wear bright colored handkerchiefs that cover their hair and are bedecked with intricately detailed jewelry that is made of small beads. These tiny beads, which are known as chaquira or seed beads, play an integral role in Huichol handicrafts.

The Huichols creations include beaded jewelry and their ever famous ornate masks and other artisanal objects that are completely covered with beads. These eye catching pieces are made with the skillful placement of each individual bead on a layer of beeswax or Campeche wax that coats the surface of their pieces. The result is stunning handicrafts which are covered in a dazzling array of vibrant beaded patterns.

The Huichol are also known for their yarn paintings which are made in a similar way as their beaded handicrafts. Whether on a mask or on a piece of wood, it is covered in wax and then covered with colorful strands of yarn that are coiled into different designs.

The Huichol Mexican Arts provide an insight of their vibrant and complex culture. Their artwork and wardrobe, as well as their customs and traditions make them a fascinationg group of people.

I have seen many of the Mexican Huichol’s beaded jewelry, clothing, masks and yarn paintings and so much more and am happy to share my knowledge and opinions with you.

Huichol Beaded Sun

posted by AetnaJo on Sep 28

Mexican Decor - Wall Sun

Are you thinking about adding some life to your home?  An always refreshing festive look could make a huge difference in your home’s appearance.  Decorative Mexican Art Work and Southwestern décor are artrs that can  inspire and refresh your senses and can help you uniquely identify your home.  Mexican décor can include, southwestern lighting, metal wall art, Mission table lamps, southwest switch plate covers, Kokopelli towel bars, novelty accessories and more.

In most Native American Languages, there is no word for ‘art’ because it is synonymous with prayer.  There is much art in most native tribes, such as the Huichol of Mexico who create their art by applying seed beads to wax covered bowls and figurines with a long needle.  As we think about this, we begin to understand the concept of the art as meditation.  In order to accomplish this, the artist must be focused and his brain waves slowed down to an alpha state.  The idea of art as prayer gives reference to artists and spiritual significance to their creative work.

Decorative mexican artwork and top Native Americans art represents all those things in life which bring us joy; children, family, love, environment, spirituality and culture.  Turquoise represents the people.  It is symbolic. Native Americans are often symbolized by the color “red,” but this misrepresentation that was created by the Europeans.  Native Americans did not think of themselves as “redskins,” which many of the people feel is a derogatory term.  They thought of themselves as Turquoise because it is a native stone and because the different matrix in each piece of Turquoise is symbolic of the uniqueness found in human nature.

With a this in mind you can see each piece of decorative mexican art work and visualize the beauty of its’ origin. Whether it is Telavera, Kokopelli, or rustic southwestern, you are now better able to give your home a refreshed festive look with Native American art. I am always more than happy to help you.

posted by AetnaJo on Sep 27

Mexican Decor - Table with decorative vace

There is such beauty in Mexican goods.Mexico’s decor can transform any room into a beautiful festive place. It is also able to turn your back yard into a wonderful party area. Mexican decor can include everything from kitchen napkins to lighting fixtures.

So what is it about Mexican goods such as furniture and decorations that make them so sought after?  Is it the festive mood it brings with it or could it be the traditional designs? Maybe it’s the pottery, antiques, textiles, clothing or fine arts.  Whatever your wants or desires are, if it’s Mexican made, it’s authentic and often, it’s a one of a kind.

Decorating is fun and easy. You can start with as little as you want and take one area or room at a time. Many prefer to begin with the kitchen and back yard as it is most often where gatherings or parties are held.  There is, of course much more to Mexican decor than party supplies such as antique furniture, beautiful colorful blankets and table runners, dishes and so much more.

Accessories are of most important when it comes to Mexican goods and decorating. The designs and colors are vast but all have the same quality and beauty. If planned properly, even a little Mexican decor can dramatically brighten up any room.

A well rounded combination of uniqueness and colors will make any room come alive. If custom creation is what you are looking for, I am more than happy to help. Having lived in and with the Mexican culture my entire life has given me a special authentic taste for all kind of Mexican Goods.

So, go ahead and liven up your house. Whether it be for adding spice to your kitchen or decorating for a party, I can help.  Dare to custom decorate your house, one room at a time.