Most of the ceramics carried at Zinnia are considered either “Talavera” or “Majolica” which are terms that refer to Mexican handmade, hand painted ceramics from the Puebla or Guanajuato regions. Ceramics experts differentiate between Talavera and Majolica due to slightly different processes and the type of clay and slips that are used in the making of dishes. "Majolica" is the larger category and "talavera" is a type of majolica. At Zinnia we group all of our ceramics under the more familiar title of “talavera.” Talavera is distinguished by the natural clays that are used in its creation, the strong colorful decorations, and a type of white glaze specific to majolica pottery, a type of pottery which typically features colors applied to a white background. Talavera ceramics are created in a style revered enough to have enjoyed specific protection of standards and regulations defined by potters’ guilds in Mexico.
Talavera ceramics, like many Mexican artisanal crafts, have over time blended features of both their indigenous roots and their European colonial influences. These beautiful pieces of Mexican pottery are named for the famed Talavera de la Reina pottery region in Spain, but ultimately expanded upon the Spanish traditions, incorporating use of the potters’ wheel, and then adding more colors and including motifs derived from the natural world. They grew to be firmly linked to Puebla (oldest Talavera workshop in Puebla is Uriarte) and Guanajuato, specifically as a result of the availability of high-quality clays in those areas and the strong regional demand for tiles for the construction of new churches and monasteries. In the Guanajuato area, Gorky Gonzalez and Capelo were two artisans at the forefront of reviving a disappearing craft.
Ceramics are indeed produced in other areas of Mexico, but they are often produced quickly, using volcanic soils which create tiles that are more fragile, and employ designs that are stamped in commercial colors, rather than hand-painted using the natural pigments which have come to define true Talavera.
Zinnia Folk Arts is proud of its carefully sourced selection of beautiful Talavera ceramics. Anne selects every piece individually primarily in Guanajuato with an occasional trip to Puebla. Consider how much fun our Talavera salsa dish would be to have for Cinco de Mayo, or what color you could add to your spring table with a set of our Talavera salad bowls. Also consider a Talavera vase or baking dish as a pretty Mother’s Day gift. Check them out online and let their lively colors put a smile on your face.
Our talavera collection is available for purchase in our online store. Stock is currently very low due to Covid delays and sales during our move to an online only store. We are currently developing an online custom order collection--you will be able to mix and match designs to create your own unique set of dishes, bakeware, serving ware or pots and vases. Look for it in September of 2022!
