15 Jul 2014 Mexican Pottery

Pottery in Mexico dates back thousands of years before the Pre-Columbian period. Mexican pottery is a great pride of Mexico. It is one of the best expressions of art in the country. The potteries of Mexico are known for distinctive design patterns and creativity that the artists used to develop. The pottery methods used in Mexico predate the Aztec empire and are still popular in today’s Mexican culture. The country has a number of well-known artisans and ceramic traditions, most of which are in the center and south.

There are three types of pottery in Mexico – earthenware, stoneware and porcelain. Earthenware is made by firing or baking the clay at a low temperature. Stoneware is produced from heavy clay and porcelain is composed of white clay. Mexican potters generally use local clays. A basic four-step method is used for the different variations of pottery: setting up the clay, molding and shaping, decorating it, and then finally baking or drying. Shapes of the potteries vary from simple and most basic forms, such as comals, cazuelas (type of stew pot), simple bowls, cooking and storage ware to elaborate sculptures, based on native designs and forms. The other forms of Mexican southwest potteries are vases, figures, hanging and kitchen ware. The Mexican pottery are usually medium to large size and are most commonly used to decorate homes or offices. All vases are hand painted with designs of animals, landscapes, or simply making use of multiple colors to enhance their beauty.

Mexican Southwest Pottery

One of the styles known worldwide is the Mexican ceramic Talavera. This is a native of Puebla. Talavera is a type of majolica earthenware, a white and glazed type of ceramic. This is due to the quality of the natural clay found there. In fact, Talavera is the oldest tin-glazed ceramic in America. This famous type of Mexican pottery is very colorful, highly glazed and stylistic. Much of the ceramic is a bright blue on a white background, but other colors such as yellow, orange, green and purple can also be found. Talavera pottery is only produced in Puebla. Ceramic tiles, jars and dishes can be found all over the city of Puebla.

Talavera Pottery

No matter what, wet with rain or windy, authentic Mexican pottery will not wear. The colors remain strong, so your Mexican pottery will decorate your home for many years, being the envy of your neighbors. They will certainly appreciate a piece of real value.