Mexican Ceramics

Recently Burke's Backyard visited the town of Puebla in Mexico which has kept its Spanish heritage alive through its decorative ceramic industry.

History

Mexican ceramic ware or pottery has existed since ancient times, long before the arrival of the Spanish. However with the arrival of the cosmopolitan Spanish in 1521 came artistic influences from around the world which have been incorporated into Mexican ceramic art.

These influences can be traced to the Islamic Moorish tradition as well as to native Spanish, Italian and Chinese ceramic art.

Early examples of Spanish-inspired ceramic tile work can be seen at Puebla in the kitchen of a 17th century convent (Ex-Convento de Santa Rosa and Museo de Artesanias) later transformed into the residence of the Viceroy of Mexico. Tiles are used here on the floor and ceiling inside as well as on the outside of the building.

Nearby a church, the Church of St Francis (Templo de San Francisco) in Puebla, also features striking Mexican tilework. Tiles adorn many other buildings in Puebla.

Ceramics

Puebla is highly regarded for its ceramic tiles and tableware today, particularly a form called Talavera, which is characterised by marvellous patterning, colour and designs that incorporate traditional Spanish techniques.

Talavera is a particular method of pottery which involves two firings first with a tin glaze and then lead (see further information). The brightly painted designs are applied between the two firings. Talavera is named after a town in Spain.

The Uriate family have a factory in Puebla which produce Talavera ware. Here two types of clay are mixed together. This clay is then kneaded and the pieces are shaped on a potters wheel or in a mould and left to dry.

The pieces are fired at 850°C and become hard and terracotta coloured. More colour is applied in traditional designs. The design is transferred to the ceramic by the use of carbon on a paper stencil. The resulting dot pattern is then used as a guide for the hand painted bright colours.

The decorated piece is fired again to produce the durable and beautiful ceramics that are sold in Puebla.

Further information

Puebla is one and a half hours drive from Mexico City. We visited the Uriate's Talavera factory at 4 Ponieute 911, Puebla. It is open daily from 10am-5pm. Phone: (0011) 52+2232 1598.
Warning: The content of lead in the glaze could cause potential problems for importing tableware but it is a level that is acceptable for ornamental ceramic ware and is safe to bring into Australia.

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