Although the true origins of Mexican
Talavera are not fully known, the accepted theory is that the Dominican friars from the Santo Domingo monastery in Puebla
asked the Order in Talavera de la Reina, Spain to send friars who could teach local potters the art of tin-glazed ceramics.
There are no documents to support this theory but it is based on strong oral traditions.
It is said that the indigenous people of Mexico were very skilled potters and already had a very long tradition
with clay pottery production. However, they did not know how to use the potter's wheel or tin-glaze their pottery, which
is one of the main characteristics of the majolica ceramic.
The most recent theory is that the term "Talavera" was first used in 1682 when clauses were added
to the Ordinances laid down by the potter’s guild in Puebla. One of these clauses stated that “fine
pottery should imitate earthenware from Talavera…” which is to say that “the object should be so similar
to the other that only with great difficulty can one tell the original apart from the counterfeit.”
The most widely held opinion is that Talavera was given this name very simply because of its similarity to
the earthenware produced in Talavera de la Reina.
Other
scholars claim, however, that not one of these theories or legends proves why pottery from Puebla is called Talavera, and
have consequently insisted on the term majolica or white earthenware. Majolica was the Italian name given
to glazed porous pottery from Mallorca, which soon came to designate any similar ceramic piece.
No matter the name or origin, Talavera is still considered to be the oldest tin-glazed ceramic in America and
it is still being manufactured with the same techniques as in the 16th Century. The Puebla region
was so rich in high quality clay that it became the only source for clay pottery production in Central America, soon to be
exported to the rest of the continent.
As in many trades, a guild was formed
and regulations were laid down. All of the potters who wished to produce Talavera had to follow the guidelines. This was done
so that the quality of the ceramics called Talavera was uniform and that this pottery had a unique style and fine quality.
When viewing Talavera, buyers can detect the blending of several cultures. Distinctive characteristics of Spanish,
Arabic, Italian and Chinese origin as well as the indigenous cultures of Mexico can be seen in the designs and patterns of
Talavera. Talavera includes a wide variety of products such as tiles, murals, vases, flower pots, bowls,
dinnerware, fountains and many other decorating designs and styles.
Today, the Denomination of Certification – 1997, are the guidelines
that all certified pottery factories (fabricas) must adhere to in order for their work to be called Talavera. These guidelines are regulated by the Consejo Regulador de Talaveras.
Pottery must be produced
in the Zona de Talavera geographical area
Factory must pass Council inspection every
6 months
Only black and white clay obtained from deposits in the Zona de
Talavera
can be used
Pottery
is hand formed/hand thrown. It can not be poured into molds
Contain a tin and lead glaze base following formula used in Colonial times
Pottery must be hand painted with only six traditional pigments: cobalt blue,
light blue, green, yellow, red, and black
Pigments must be made at workshop using
traditional formulas
All pieces must be signed by workshop and carry the DO4
Certification
number
In addition to the certification requirements, Talavera should have a handmade appearance and can include irregularities
from piece to piece.
Nowadays, Talavera is still
very popular, and its high quality products are still being produced the same way
they were produced 400 years ago. Unfortunately, there are also many fake versions of Talavera pottery. The name ‘talavera’
has become synonymous with colorful Mexican pottery that is common throughout the country. While still
beautiful, it should not be confused with certified authentic Talavera. If the pottery does not meet the
certification requirements, it should not be labeled as Talavera.
As of recent, there are only 9 fabricas left that are licensed by the Mexican Goverment. Although
there are some fabricas that meet all the quality and process requirments, some have not taken the additional step of submitting
pieces to a lab for certification. Many times this is due to the high cost of the lab tests. Isabelle's is
proud to represent two of the nine fabricas; Talavera de la Reyna and Uriarte International.
