7 Ways to Distinguish an Authentic Talavera Versus a Fake
Are you interested in owning and have been looking for a genuine Talavera product? How would you know that the products offered by online distributors and offline merchants and retailers are really authentic? Beware of imitations!
Talavera is a tin-glazed earthenware made from majolica pottery and comes only from Puebla, Mexico, and its nearby communities of Atlixco, Cholula, and Tecali.
This world-renowned hand-painted pottery is highlighted by a milky-white glaze. It comes in different forms, including both functional and decorative pieces such as plates, bowls, vases, and tiles.
These are some characteristics of genuine Talavera pottery:
- Talavera is made from a mixture of only two clays, a dark clay and a light, slightly pinkish colored clay.
- The source of supply of clay to make the Talavera comes from the geographical area of Talavera de Puebla and the communities of Atlixco, Cholula and Tecali.
- Talavera is shaped by hand on a potter’s wheel or using molds, not poured. They are also hand painted.
- Talavera pieces have gone through two firings. The oven used to cook the Talavera must have a minimum temperature of 800 degrees Celsius.
- Talavera uses six-color pigments, and their color scheme enhances the sophistication of the workmanship of Talavera pieces.
- Talavera item is created by certified workshops in the state of Puebla Mexico using the traditional Talavera process. Workshops that produce authentic Talavera are certified by passing an inspection and verification process at least every six months. The Consejo Regulador de Talavera Mexicana regulates the production of Talavera and restricts the use of the term to items produced within the designated zone of Puebla. There are only less than 20 certified workshops that produce genuine Talavera.
- Certified Talavera pieces bear the potter’s signature, the workshop logo, and a special hologram that certifies the piece’s authenticity. Only parts from workshops that meet the standards are certified.
You can buy Talavera in many stores and everywhere in Mexico and the world. Some workshops also offer tours where you can see how it is being done.
There are also a number of shops now offering non-certified and authentic but high quality Talavera products.
Authentic Talavera is expensive, as each piece is unique and of excellent quality. However, knockoffs can be just as expensive and seemingly unique. You have to be very careful that your money is really worth the Talavera item you have.
For more information visit:
- http://www.mlsbajaproperties.com/blogs/mls_baja/archive/2009/12/27/real-vs-fake-talavera-pottery.aspx
- http://talaverica.com – Homemade Talavera Pottery, Handcrafted Silver Jewelry from Mexico, and more…