May

Southwestern Pottery and Gourd Art

One of the oldest and most beautiful styles of earthenware comes from Mexico. These colorful and distinctive products would make a vibrant and artistic addition to any home. Best of all, they are readily accessible and very affordable.

Southwestern designs, southwestern decorating

By Earl Hunsinger

If your idea of home decorating is a fresh coat of white paint and new monochrome vinyl flooring, then this is not the article for you. On the other hand, if you like vibrant colors and intricate patterns, read on.

As the website Inside Mexico explains, the Mexican Talavera style of pottery is a form of majolica earthenware that originated in 16th century Spain. Although the name comes from Talavera de la Reina, Spain, the term is more common in Mexico than it is in Spain. This site also explains the Arabic, Italian, Chinese, and Spanish influences on this pottery, as well as how Mexico has made it distinctly its own.

Although authentic Talavera pottery comes only from Puebla, Mexico, artists from other regions of Mexico have copied this style, often producing pieces of comparable quality. Since Talavera is hand painted, each piece is truly unique, even if the artist follows a standard pattern. Its old world legacy can be seen in classic blue and white designs. However, many more colorful patterns highlight the rich vibrancy of Mexican culture. These patterns include fish and native animal and floral motifs.

Talavera pottery includes both decorative and functional pieces. For example Direct from Mexico sells everything from wall art to lamps. They also sell other goods imported from Mexico, including Equipale chairs. These are rustic handmade chairs crafted from pig skin and strips of cedar. They lend a definite southwestern flair to any room.

southwestern pottery, southwestern gourd art
One of the most interesting ways to add a distinctive Mexican style to your home is the installation of a Talavera sink. Like other Talavera pieces, these come in a variety of beautiful colors and patterns. They are made in both basin and drop in styles. Mexican Connexion has some nice examples and claims to have the best prices on the Internet. They carry Talavera from Uriarte Talavera, the oldest and best known "fabrica," or workshop, in Puebla. It was founded by Sr. Don Dimas Uriarte in 1824. If the Talavera sinks are too colorful for you, Mexican Connexion also carries a variety of handcrafted Mexican copper sinks.

As with many things these days, even better prices can be found on Ebay. Here you can find a hundred different Talavera sinks for less than $100, including shipping. This is amazing when you consider that this is only a little more than the boring mass produced sink to be found in your local hardware store. Even if you aren’t ready to remodel your bathroom, you might still enjoy looking at these colorful options.

Decorative hand painted tiles, door pulls, and other practical yet distinctive Talavera products are also available on Ebay, some for less than a dollar per piece, not including shipping. Plates, platters, and other pieces of dinnerware can also be found.

So then, if you’ve read this far you probably have at least dreamed of breaking away from white walls and monochrome furnishings. Why not take the plunge? Add some color to your life by purchasing a sample of Talavera earthenware, a piece of old Mexico.

By Buzzle Staff and Agencies Published: 8/2/2007