Photo by David B. Moore Talavera can feature traditional or Contemporary designs, or a combination of the two, as is seen in the vase pictured above left. Whether brightly hued, such as the plate and pitcher, or more subdued, Talavera does not fade. So colors on authentic pieces will remain vibrant.

Fascinating examples of fine Mexican craftsmanship, authentic Talavera pottery and tiles are created following a process that has remained unchanged for more than 400 years. “While the exact origin of Talavera can be debated, people generally believe Dominican monks brought the process from Spain and shared it with the indigenous people,” says Tom Collins of Isabelle’s Fine Talavera in Phoenix. The name stems from the Spanish town, Talavera de la Reina, where the technique’s closest roots are thought to be traced. Each piece, regardless of its shape or function, takes approximately 100 days to make, Collins states. “It’s shaped, dried, fired, glazed, painted, then fired again.” Wares are formed and stenciled or painted entirely by hand.

In 1997, the Mexican government began regulating authentic Talavera production. To be certified, a manufacturer must prove that it uses the exact and unaltered traditional process of making Talavera by hand. The company then receives a D04 (Origin Denomination) certification number, explains Jose Miguel Leon Franco, sales manager of Uriarte Talavera, the oldest Talavera producer in Mexico, established in 1824. All certified manufacturers are located in the Mexican region of Puebla, he notes.

Talavera often is referred to as a style as well. Similar-looking pottery and tiles are produced throughout Mexico, though they are made using different techniques and types of clay. These pieces may be more durable, says Joe Fortuna of Mexican Tile and Stone Co. They also may be less expensive. Whether D04-certified or not, Talavera can be used indoors or out to make a colorful decorative statement.

Photo by David B. Moore Talavera pottery has evolved over the years to include functional wares, such as this plate, which can be used for serving.

Things to Consider
Our experts give the following advice for selecting Talavera:

• Government-certification: If you want government-certified Talavera, look for the D04 certification number and a reference to “Puebla, MX” on the back of the piece. If the manufacturer can’t produce its D04 number or creates authentic Talavera but is located outside of the Puebla region, it has not been certified by the government.
• Color: Color palettes may range depending on the manufacturer. For example, Talavera de la Reyna, a government-certified manufacturer in Puebla, only uses six colors on its Talavera—light blue, dark blue, green, yellow, red and black. Color combinations also may vary, from the well-known bright multicolored designs to simple patterns with one or two colors. Once fired, the base coat of glaze turns a milky off-white; a genuine piece will never show pure white. Also, the red color of the fired clay will show through the glaze somewhere on the piece.
• Manufacturer: If you desire government-certified authentic Talavera, manufacturers to look for are Talavera Cesar Torres, Casa Talavera Celia, Talavera Santa Catarina, Talavera de la Nueva España, Uriarte Talavera, Talavera de las Américas, Talavera de la Luz, Talavera Virgilio Perez and Talavera de la Reyna.
• Price: If relatively inexpensive, it most likely is not made in Puebla according to the D04-certification process. Some imitation Talavera-style ceramics are even made in China, so be clear on what you are buying.    
• Style: Design and shape are not limited. Some authentic pieces are quite Contemporary. For example, Talavera de la Reyna opened its facility to Modern artists and encourages their creativity.