While the name, talavera, comes from the Spanish city of Talavera de la Reina, the pottery originated in the mexican cities of Puebla, Guanajuato, Mexico and Dolores Hidalgo. The Mexican pottery has strong Spanish and Chinese roots and comes from a form of pottery work known as majolica. Majolica is handmade using the earth’s resources as material and has become quite popular with eco-minded tourists.

Gorgeous blue talavera tiles (CC photo by Mexicanware courtesy of Flickr)

The beautiful art first found its way to Mexico in the 16th century. Throughout history, the art has been influenced by a wonderful mix of cultures including Egyptians, Moors, Spanish and Chinese. Mexico’s talavera is some of the most famous with tourists perusing various marketplaces for the most brilliantly colored to return home with.

Fuente de talavera (CC photo by El mundo de Laura courtesy of Flickr)

It is quite common to find talavera throughout all of Mexico and even into the United States. Puebla’s talavera has standards and regulations making it one of the most widely sought. And while there are collectors who can distinguish the various talavera styles, many simply enjoy the colors and pictures that call to them.

Brilliant talavera colors (CC photo by aussieguera courtesy of Flickr)

Flowers are one of the most popular paintings on talavera, but tiles can also have a picture made from several tiles forming a mosaic. This is becoming on of the most popular talaveras in the United States and can even be found in home improvement centers. Dishes and plates can sometimes hold small traces of lead and are usually used only as decoration. It seems like a great idea since the gorgeous colors and pictures do little good under a pile of food.

Look for this beautiful Mexican art throughout Mexico’s marketplaces and find art that you enjoy or that matches your decor. Artists are more than happy to explain the process for making their talavera and the history of their artform.