talavera elaboration process

In the first phase two types of clay (black and white) are mixed, strained and allowed to rest. This mix ins then prepared by hand and sent to the shop to be shaped either on a turning wheel or with molds. Once the desired shape is achieved, the parts are dried naturally, under specific temperature and humidity conditions, depending on the size of the piece, drying may take from 8 to 12 weeks.

Once the piece are dried, they are baked at a temperature of 850 ºC. This is how they acquired their typical clay color. At this stage it is called “jahuete”, a name that comes from the Aztec word to describe a cooked piece or “cookie”. Also it is known as “sancocho” (parboiled), which is an old Spanish word used to indicate a parboiling.

The “jahuete” (parboiled) pieces are ready to be glazed by immersion. The entire surface is glazed before the paint the paint is applied. This glazed provides the traditional brightness and unique colors of the authentic. Talavera Poblana.What makes this Talavera district from other glazed ceramics is the color of the enamel, which should not be completely soft, and its texture.

Talavera designs are etched with “estarcidos”, a type of stencil used to guide the paint application..

This Talavera colors come from natural minerals. To paint the Talavera, traditional bruses made out mule hair are used. The intense color, its brightness, and durability are the result of mineral- bases paints which react with the enamel, when introduced into the oven a second time, at a temperature of 1050 ºC. Some elements of the traditional Talavera designs are handmade by skilled craftsmen, such as the traditional poblano feathering in the Talavera.