Video: Talavera Clay from Mexico

Excellent footage of talavera production. Shows clay thrown on a wheel, molds, presses, and decoration. No commentary, just hyper Irish music. (Huh?)

View into and tour of a Talavera workshop in Puebla. Narrated in Spanish.

Novica: "Golden Harvest" Talavera from Mexico

NOVICA Ceramic tumblers, 'Golden Harvest' (set of 4)

Ceramic coffee mug set, 'Golden Harvest'

Ceramic cream and sugar set, 'Golden Harvest' (pair)

Ceramic Candleholders, 'Golden Harvest' (pair)

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world. Golden flowers adorn these delightful candleholders by Jorge Quevedo. Crafted by hand, relief motifs add to their fascination, while the deep cobalt is inspired by Mexico's traditional Talavera pottery.

Artisan Info:
"Hello, my name is Jorge Quevedo. The region where I was born and raised is renowned for its majolica ceramics. Although my family worked in other fields, I was fascinated by ceramics and, while still in high school, I took a job in a pottery workshop. There I learned the techniques and processes. After several years, I wanted to set up my own ceramics studio, and I saved up until I was finally able. It started out small, but little by little, my workshop grew. We always found lead to be a problem. After researching and experimenting, I came to master the technique using white clay instead of those commonly used in the region. I also work with lead-free glazes so as to meet the expectations of today's shoppers. The process begins by mixing the powdered clay with water to achieve a smooth, uniform paste. We shape it in molds or on the potter's wheel and let it dry thoroughly. We then smooth the fragile pieces and fire them at 800C [1,472F] for six hours to become cajete (bisque or biscuit). "

Novica: Talavera Pottery

Talavera ceramic jar, 'Colonial Kitchen'

Product Features:

• Handmade by Alonso Luis
• Ships from Mexico within 7 days
• Free of lead and toxins
• Hand wash only
• Microwave safe
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 7 x 12 inches ; 3.5 pounds

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, offers thousands of limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans throughout the world.

Flowers center motifs reminiscent of majolica tiles on each of eight long panels. Combining blue and yellow on smooth white ceramic, Alonso Luis creates a beautiful jar and lid. Its style is representative of Puebla's renowned Talavera pottery. Perfect for candy or cookies, it makes a stunning showpiece anywhere in the home.

Artisan Info:

"Hello, my name is Alonso Luis. I come from Puebla and create the traditional majolica ceramics in the Talavera style. I began this work in 1989 because of the excitement I felt when crafting such ceramics traditional, yet free of lead. Our work is completely carried out in the traditional way, the way its been done here for hundreds of years. The clay is acquired raw. It is a virgin material that comes directly from mines called barriales and has not undergone any kind of industrial alteration. We try to make a good selection from the best types of clay, since it is the first factor that decides the quality of our products."

'Lupita,' vase

Product Features:

• Handmade by Castillo Family
• Ships from Mexico within 7 days
• Watertight
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 7 x 14 inches ; 4.6 pounds

A rustic work infused with modern sentiment, this vase by the Castillo Family flourishes with verdant charm. The design reflects the beauty of Guanajuato's Talavera ceramics, each detail rendered with botanical simplicity. Makes a noteworthy statement in an elegant decor. The work of the Castillo Family represents part of the cultural and historical values of the state of Guanajuato, where they elaborate their treasured craft. Each piece is a laborious affair between the artisan and carefully selected clay, ensuring quality rather than quantity. Once the desired shape is achieved, the surface is prepared in a mineral glaze and fired in a brick kiln. Patience and artistic virtue results in a captivating rendition of Talavera ceramics. Watertight.

Artisan Info:

The Castillo family's artistry has been featured in periodicals ranging from Sunset magazine to The Cincinnati Inquirer. The Castillo family has many years of experience hand-crafting Talavera-style ceramics in Guanajuato, Mexico. Their workshop seeks to rescue this traditional, world-renowned ceramic style. Although true Talavera ceramics are made only in the city of Puebla, the techniques are also practiced by artisans in Guanajuato.