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What is Authentic Talavera?
Authentic Talavera pottery is the ceramic ware produced by certified
workshops in the state of Puebla Mexico following the traditional
process introduced by the Spaniards in the 16th Century.
In 1997 the State of Puebla obtained the Denomination
of Origin stating that only the pottery produced in the geographical
region of the State of Puebla or Zona de Talavera (Talavera Zone)
and that follows the standards set by the Consejo Regulador de la
Talavera (Regulating Council of Talavera) can be called Talavera.
In order to be certified these workshops have to pass an inspection
and verification process every six months. So, just as Champagne
is only produced in Champagne, France, Talavera can only be produced
in Puebla, Mexico.
Following are some of the most important guidelines
that the Official Mexican Norm for Talavera established:
Talavera : A type of original ceramic exclusive to
the denominated "Talavera Zone" (Atlixco, Cholula, Puebla
and Tecali, all in the geographical region of the State of Puebla),
whose characteristics are derived from the geographical region and
that have their origins in the Spanish majolica.
The black and white clays used to create Talavera
pottery must be obtained from natural deposits in the Talavera Zone.
The pottery must be hand-formed, hand thrown using
clay from the designated region. The clay must be of a consistency
that does not allow pouring into molds. Molds can be used only by
pressing the clay into them.
Talavera must contain a tin and lead glaze base following
the formula used in Colonial times.
This glaze must craze and should be slightly porous.
The glaze base must not be pure white. Its coloring
should have undertones that go from Pantone 482C, 467C to 1C light
gray.
The pottery must be hand painted using only the six
traditional mineral pigments: blue, green, yellow, red, brown and
black. By combining these colors different tones of blue are achieved
as well as an orange and purple color. The pigments must be made
at the workshop following long-established formulas.
The painting must fuse into the glazing having a
subtle, sort of blurred appearance. The blue and/or yellow details
can have a bas-relief look.
Authentic Talavera has a handmade appearance, meaning
it doesn't look "machine made perfect". Irregularities
are characteristic and desirable (such as the crazing of the glaze).
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