Talavera Poblana/Pottery Poblana

Talavera Poblana.

This art began in 1550 when craftsmanship from Spain started with the elaboration of estannifera (tin-opacified lead glaze tiles). One place that created this pottery was the state of Puebla, where many Spaniards and Arab people established and made tiles and plates.

Some old houses from the center of Puebla had been found, some of this Talavera and setting many uses and still one of the significant values of wealthy families in ancient times and actual days.

Called Talavera because it has a decorative style from Talavera, established by the Queen of Spain, it is a glassed tile and enamel finished like those created in the XVII century.

The Talavera of Mexico has an established style; the most typical colors are blue and white. I would say they are the most traditional ones and maybe those that are still a type of Mexican art around the world even they had been using in other parts.

The color blue and white are more popular with international tourism, local people search for new designs and colors, and different companies introduce new combinations and styles. There is always a way of innovation, and old houses that create this always bring new styles and creations.

The colors.

They used six colors; the most common are blue and white (this comes from the pottery), and the others are different combinations.

• Blue (Cobalt from France)
• Yellow
• Orange (Amethyst)
• White (from the own clay)
• Black (Iron)
• Green

Denomination of Origin.

The Denomination of origin protects the elaboration of Talavera, a similar process in the XVII century. Two states have this Denomination of origin, Tlaxcala and Puebla, and others are trying to create and preserve it so they could have this name. The process has to be like the traditional if not close; they could not receive the Denomination of origin.

Several workshops create Talavera but not with the same process; the regular workshops that are preserving t are from ancient families and take the process very seriously.

The workshops that have established their name introduce combinations of colors. Because they want to be on the heads of people and make different collaborations between big companies and artists, they want to share the art and elaboration around the world.

 

Talavera Reyna

The workshop I visited is Talavera Reyna, located in the state of Puebla at the lateral of Recta Cholula. Puebla has several workshops that belong to old families, workshops known for the elaboration of Talavera.

The state of Puebla is one of the most known for elaborating on this product. Also, the state has different recognitions for food and other arts.

 

I had the opportunity to watch the elaboration of the Talavera in the factory of Talavera Reyna; you must pay a fee to enter and experience the process for $50MX pesos or $2.52USD.

But you can pay a visit to some factories in the center of Puebla or on this one this is more private and when you visit the attention they give you is personalized, and you feel not like a visitor but as part of their family.

If you want to take a piece and design it yourself, you can spend more and try to live the experience. You have to be ready to save the date, most of the time, on weekends, it will take you half a day to create your piece, plus you will appreciate more what you make in the workshop.

 

Conclusion

If you want something special you can visit the workshop that is part of the city and it will feel that you are part of the workshop, you will pay a visit, but you’ll take some part of them too. I recommend this experience.

You’ll love it, and you could get in love with this type of craftsmanship that connects the old century with the new one.

Touching the clay, creating something from scratch, has a tone that is not always part of your daily life.

You will take care and give love to this piece. The other good part is that you will have the Logo for the workshop, which will provide value to the work and a stamp that will last forever if you take care.