Candelabras

This category of Mexican polychrome pottery features inspiring candelabra that hold several candles. These include traditional Trees of Life, and Adam & Eve designs. Long sought-after by collectors of folk art, these figures are made entirely by hand. The potter forms the trunks and branches and attaches them to each other with wire, around which he then wraps the clay. After firing the frame it in a wood-burning oven, the potter applies a base coat primer of white paint. Next, with a steady hand, he paints the fine, multicolor decorative motifs using durable acrylic paints. A final coat of shiny varnish or matte acrylic spray preserves the colors for many years to come.