Handcrafted Pottery

Earthenware pottery is the most common type of Mexican folk art. First made here around 4500 years ago, today it is a melding of the newer, Spanish techniques of glazing and firing with the ancient Indian shapes, colors and patterns. We feature the Barro Policromado from Izucar de Matamoros, especially the renowned designs of the Castillo family. The family makes our multi-colored Menorah candelabras, too. Recently, we have expanded our selection to also include the terra cotta nativity figurines from Naples, Italy. They are another handcrafted pottery tradition that goes back several centuries.

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This category of Mexican pottery includes handcrafted sculptures, candlesticks, candelabras holding three candles or more, menorahs, trees of life, Talavera stoneware, and Day Of The Dead skeleton art. They are made by artisans living in Puebla, Mexico, and especially in the town of Izucar de Matamoros.

Mexican ceramic candelabras and trees of life are an eduring art form. They evolved from ceremonial incense burners and candleholders of the early potters in the village of Izucar de Matamoros, south of Puebla. Scholars believe that the form of candelabras with tree-like branches evolved out of the tradition of incensing newlywed couples as a form of purification. The Izucar pottery family that does the most traditional work is that of Francisco Flores. Francisco’s late father, Aurelio Flores, is a legendary figure of Mexican popular art. The six siblings of the Castillo family form a dynasty of renowned artists. We are lucky to carry their work!

The Talavera stoneware is made by hand from a blend of two kinds of clay. Once formed, the piece dries for eight weeks before firing. The piece is then dipped in a coating of background glaze. Artists then hand-paint traditional designs before being fired again. This produces a piece with brilliant color and a glass-like, durable surface.

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