The term Talavera pottery refers to Mexican pottery. It is important to note that while we can refer to all Talavera pottery as Mexican pottery, we can, however, not say all Mexican pottery is Talavera pottery. 

The potters make Talavera pottery in a certain region of Mexico called Puebla. Also, there is a special kind of clay that they use for the creation of Talavera pottery. In addition, the Mexican regulatory body must approve the source of this clay. The Mexican government recognizes this body.

Who Created Mexican Pottery?

Firstly, one can date the turning point in Mexican pottery back to the sixteenth century. Mexico was under Spanish rule, led by Hernan Cortez. This led to conflicts between the locals (Mexicans) and the Spanish settlers, ranging from conflicts between cultural beliefs and politics. 

Furthermore, when we compare the arts created at different points in Mexican history, we can see the Spanish influence on the local Mexican traditions.

One can break up Mexican pottery into the Pre-Hispanic period, the colonial period, and the modern era.

Pre-Hispanic Pottery

Secondly, researchers discovered one of the oldest works of art (pottery) in Mesoamerica around 4500 years ago. 

Furthermore, they found pottery pieces which at this time in the form of a gourd which indicates people used them to hold water.

Facts About Pre-Hispanic Pottery

• Potters created this pottery entirely by hand. Furthermore, the heat was low and they painted the body with a mineral pigment.
• Each region in Mexico has its own unique style of pottery. Also, pottery products could be used for in-house purposes, ceremonies, and even burials.
• Mesoamerican pottery was an important part of that tradition. Therefore, the technique was able to withstand the Spanish invasion.

Colonial Era

Thirdly, during the colonization of Mexico, the Spaniards introduced numerous equipment and techniques into the pottery art in Mexico. 

Hence, Mexico became part of a trading route from the Philippines down to the Spanish empire. The pottery works were shipped from the major harbor in Mexico down to Spain.

Even though the Spaniards shipped the majority of their products down to their city, they left a large number of tools and artistic work, which greatly influenced the local artisans.

Facts About the Colonial Era of Pottery

• The potter’s wheel being used today was an external influence from Mexico.
• During the colonial era, there was a clear distinction between Spanish pottery and Mexican pottery.
• After colonization, the surface finishing of ceramic works changed dramatically and became more akin to that of the Spaniards.

Modern Era

The modern era of Mexican pottery has had a significant impact on previous eras and Mexican history.

More importantly, the Spanish influence included the glaze and fire technique and also the shaping and patterning. Furthermore, the Chinese influence includes the colors and the shapes that we see today.

Facts About The Modern Era of Mexican Pottery

• Most ceramic products are now decorative pieces.
• There is a shift from hand-made wares to mass-produced ceramic wares.
• Most household wares are no longer made from pottery.

What are the Tools for Mexican Pottery?

One of the most popular forms of Mexican pottery is Talavera pottery. Furthermore, it is a form of art that has a complex creation process. Some of the tools that would be needed to make Talavera pottery are:

• Bowls to wash and filter the sand: When one is making a Talavera piece, the first things to get are black and white sand. In the same fashion, the potters get the black sand from Amozoc while they get the white sand from Tecali. It is equally important to use the bowls to wash the sand so as to get fine particles. In addition, the process of filtering the sand would ensure that only the finest particles remain. You have to keep in mind that this process will reduce the total amount of clay left to half of its original size.
• Potter’s wheel to shape the piece: To create an amazing piece, there is a need to use a potter’s wheel to mold the piece. Also, it would make the molding stage very easy and time-efficient.
• A kiln that the potters would use to fire the clay at different stages: Talavera pottery has different stages at which the potters need the firing process. As a matter of fact, they were the first ones to confirm the absence of cracks in the piece. The potters use the second firing to harden up the glaze that they apply to the piece. These firing processes would require the use of a kiln.
• Paint to beautify the piece: A pottery piece is nothing without the finishing touches. However, when it comes to Talavera pottery in particular, the painting is everything. In addition, it shows the skill and effort the potter has put into their craft in all its glory. It makes the piece tasteful and generally more appealing. Paint is a necessary tool when it comes to Mexican pottery.

Examples of Mexican Pottery from Etsy

Below you’ll find a few amazing examples of Mexican pottery from Etsy that you can buy, such as plates, earrings, pans, and bowls.

1. A Set of 4 Mexican Pottery Talavera Plates 10″, Lead-Free Heat-Safe Hand Painted Ceramic Folk Art from Mexico.

They are a set of unique Talavera Pottery Plates. They were specially handcrafted in Mexico. Obviously, since they are handmade, there will be variations in the set. One could use them for meals or as decorative pieces.

2. Mexican pottery design earrings, Boho earrings, Dangle earrings, Chandelier earrings, Bohemian jewelry, Ethnic earrings, Statement jewelry.

The earrings are long and dangly. They are 3 inches or 7.5cm long. The earrings are handmade. They are really beautiful with vintage Mexican pottery patterns. The designs are made such that the bezels gradually increase in size.

3. Vintage Tlaquepaque Set of 4 Nesting Pans with Handle/Red Clay Mexico Dish with Handle/Hand Painted Mexico Pottery Nesting Bowls

They are an antique set of 4 red clay bowls that stack over each other. They are from the Tlaquepaque area in Mexico.

4. Handcrafted Talavera Fish Bowl Planter Hand Painted Flowers Clay Pot Colorful Mexican Clay Pottery.

They are colorful Talavera planters that have a bowl shape. They are hand-painted. It has a lot of interesting flowery designs and colorful geometric patterns. It has a drainage hole at the bottom.

5. TREE of DEATH Candelabra, Clay, Mexican Tree of Death, Mexican Pottery, Arbol de la Muerte, Mexican Sculpture, Mexico Calavera, Mexico Skull.

The artwork depicts a tree of death. The art is very colorful. Because it is handmade, there may be some imperfections.

6. Mixed Lot of 6 Mexican Pottery Ornaments, Handmade with Fine Artistic Detail Pinata Talavera Folk Art from Mexico, Christmas Décor.

The ornaments are handmade. They are very colorful and unique.

In conclusion, the Spaniards greatly influenced Mexican pottery through colonization. Furthermore, the greatest Spanish influence can be seen in Talavera pottery.