How can you tell if Talavera is real?

The demand for high quality and original designs persists today and although there are many bad imitations, some even misusing the name ‘Talavera’, it is quite easy to distinguish the real from the fake. The most distinct feature is the raised design and the high gloss and shine of the surface finish.

Is Talavera pottery valuable?

Authentic Talavera is costly, as every piece is one of its kind and of excellent quality. However, imitations may be as pricey and seemingly unique. You need to be extra careful that your money is really worth the Talavera item you have with.

Why is Talavera so expensive?

Only natural clays are used, rather than chemically treated and dyed clays and the handcrafting process takes three to four months. The process is risky because a piece can break at any point. This makes Talavera three times more costly than other types of pottery.

Where are talaveras originally from?

Mexico
Today’s “True” Talavera tile and pottery comes from the rich black and white volcanic soils in and around Puebla, Mexico. Here the tradition and technique of hand-forming these tiles define this vivid craft. But Mexico hasn’t always been Talavera’s home. The history of Talavera spans centuries, cultures and continents.

Can you microwave Talavera?

All of the pieces in our Talavera collection are lead-free ceramic, and are oven and microwave safe. Hand-wash recommended.

Is Talavera marked pottery?

Yes and No! The paints and glaze used in making Talavera pottery dinnerware are lead-free and therefore can safely be used as household dinnerware. Some pieces are for display purposes only and are marked as such (DUO – Display Use Only).

Does Talavera pottery fade in the sun?

Crafted in the historic Talavera style using authentic techniques, our Talavera pottery is produced in Mexico from an earthenware clay body that is dipped in a white tin glaze and is twice high fired. The patterns are hand-drawn and hand-painted with mineral based pigments that will never fade in the sun.

What is Talavera style?

The Talavera pottery style is characterized by bright colors and diverse patterns painted over a white or clay background and glazed for a high shine finish. Designs can include animals, flowers, cacti, geometric patterns and elegant peacock feathers.

Why is it called Talavera?

Named after the Spanish city of Talavera de la Reina, this uniquely Mexican ceramic has gained worldwide acclaim for its high quality and beauty. Talavera is a style of pottery within a larger category of ceramics called Majolica, referring to any earthenware involving handmade pottery, ceramics and art.

Can Talavera go in the oven?

Can I use Talavera Pottery for food serving and preparation? Our Talavera tableware is oven and dishwasher safe. Although Talavera can be used for food serving and preparation, it is a fine ceramic earthenware and may chip or break if not handled carefully.

Does Talavera contain lead?

In the sixteenth century, potters emigrated from Talavera de la Reina in Spain to the new colonial settlement of Puebla in Mexico and began crafting their majolica- inspired earthenware, known as Talavera. The good news is that some Talavera is now certified lead-free (check the bottom of the piece).