Painted Talavera
A Primer On Collecting Mexican Folk Art
I love Mexican folk art! Whenever possible, I try to buy it directly from the artisans who create it. The pieces that speak to me, I keep and add to my own collection. The others, I share with family and friends as gifts, or sell to other collectors and home decor aficionados.
Many people collect museum quality artwork by world renowned Mexican artists. Others choose practical items such as talavera dishes, hand-woven textiles or silver jewelry. Some prefer items of a ceremonial or religious nature such as beaded masks, prayer bowls or retablos. Still others are attracted to the bright colors and whimsical design of Oaxacan wood carvings known as alebrije, painted tin ornaments, and Day of the Dead miniatures. Each of these items, and many more not mentioned, contribute to the diversity and charm of Mexican folk art.
The history of Mexico is depicted in Mexican folk art. Each piece tells a story or provides a symbolic representation of the Mexican people and their culture. Some folk art reflects the indigenous cultures of the past, many lost to the colonization by the Spaniards. Spanish influences are also present in some works, as are Christian, pagan and folkloric themes. A true collector must study Mexican beliefs and cultural values in depth to fully understand Mexican folk art.
As a new collector, you’ll want to know what to look for to be sure your Mexican folk art is authentic. One key element is the use of indigenous materials from each region of Mexico. For example: alebrije are made from the wood of the copal tree. This tree grows only in the Oaxacan valley. Craftsmanship is another telltale clue. Skill and style will vary between artisans and the price and quality will reflect their ability. However, authentic work is always aesthetically pleasing, well made, and is typically labeled in some manner, whether signed by the artist, with his or her village noted, or at least labeled Hecho en Mexico.
If you’re able to visit Mexico, buy folk art directly from the artisans or purchase from local shops in the region where it is made. Do not buy from vendors in tourist areas unless you wish to pay inflated prices for items that may be of an inferior quality. If your purchases are limited to specialty shops, galleries or online stores in the U.S., make sure you are dealing with a reputable seller and always check out their return policies before buying.
For additional help, there are numerous resources available at your local bookstore. The best, though pricey, is Great Masters of Mexican Folk Art by Fernandez De Calderon Candida. Several others are good hands-on guides pertaining to a specific type of folk art or region of Mexico.
One last thing and the most important in my opinion. When you buy and collect Mexican folk art, you are helping artisans earn a living wage through fair trade which enables them to support their families. You’re also supporting the continuation of ancient traditions and generations old craftsmanship, rather than endorsing mass-produced cheaply made copies of the real thing.
Now, let’s go shopping!
About the Author
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Tequila Los Azulejos – Creating a Masterpiece (Double Gold Medal Winner!)
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M 01 MEXICAN hand painted talavera BATHROOM SINK 17X14″ $22.97 |
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Mexican Majolica Oval Hand Painted TALAVERA Bathroom Vessel Drop In Sink 21×17 $49.99 |
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#34) MEXICAN TALAVERA SINK DROP IN HAND PAINTED MEXICO SINKS ON SALE $26.96 |
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#57) MEXICAN TALAVERA SINK DROP IN HAND PAINTED MEXICO SINKS ON SALE $26.96 |
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#58) MEXICAN TALAVERA SINK DROP IN HAND PAINTED MEXICO SINKS ON SALE $26.96 |
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#59) MEXICAN TALAVERA SINK DROP IN HAND PAINTED MEXICO SINKS ON SALE $26.96 |
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#60) MEXICAN TALAVERA SINK DROP IN HAND PAINTED MEXICO SINKS ON SALE $26.96 |
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#61) MEXICAN TALAVERA SINK DROP IN HAND PAINTED MEXICO SINKS ON SALE $26.96 |
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#62) MEXICAN TALAVERA SINK DROP IN HAND PAINTED MEXICO SINKS ON SALE $26.96 |
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#64) MEXICAN TALAVERA SINK DROP IN HAND PAINTED MEXICO SINKS ON SALE $26.96 |
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#65) MEXICAN TALAVERA SINK DROP IN HAND PAINTED MEXICO SINKS ON SALE $26.96 |
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#67) MEXICAN TALAVERA SINK DROP IN HAND PAINTED MEXICO SINKS ON SALE $26.96 |
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#78) MEXICAN TALAVERA SINK DROP IN HAND PAINTED MEXICO SINKS ON SALE $26.96 |
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#80) MEXICAN TALAVERA SINK DROP IN HAND PAINTED MEXICO SINKS ON SALE $26.96 |
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#81) MEXICAN TALAVERA SINK DROP IN HAND PAINTED MEXICO SINKS ON SALE $26.96 |
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#82) MEXICAN TALAVERA SINK DROP IN HAND PAINTED MEXICO SINKS ON SALE $26.96 |
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#83) MEXICAN TALAVERA SINK DROP IN HAND PAINTED MEXICO SINKS ON SALE $26.96 |
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#84) MEXICAN TALAVERA SINK DROP IN HAND PAINTED MEXICO SINKS ON SALE $26.96 |
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C-02-(S) Mexican Talavera sink painted both sides $66.99 |
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M 155 MEXICAN hand painted talavera BATHROOM SINK 17×14 $22.97 |
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NEW Talavera Mexican Painted HandPainted Decorative Backsplash Tiles QTY 30 $112.50 |
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* TALAVERA CERAMIC BATHROOM SINK HAND MADE & PAINTED COMONFORT DESIGN 21×17 !!! $64.50 |
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* TALAVERA CERAMIC BATHROOM SINK HAND MADE & PAINTED san miguel DESIGN 21×17 !!! $54.50 |
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* TALAVERA CERAMIC BATHROOM SINK HAND MADE & PAINTED DOLORES DESIGN 21×17 !!! $54.50 |
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Mexican Talavera Hand Painted Deco Water-Resist Tile $6.95 |
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M 01 MEXICAN hand painted talavera BATHROOM SINK 17X14″ $26.97 |
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Mexican Talavera Hand Painted Decorative Water-Res Tile $6.95 |
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Mexican Talavera Hand Painted Decorative Water-Res Tile $6.50 |
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Mexican Talavera Hand Painted Deco Water-Resist Tile $6.50 |
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M 155 MEXICAN hand painted talavera BATHROOM SINK 17×14 $26.97 |
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C-66-(S) Mexican Talavera sink painted both sides $66.99 |
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Mexican Talavera Painted Decorative Water-Resist Tile $6.50 |
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Mexican Talavera Hand Painted Decorative Water-Res Tile $6.50 |
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Mexican Talavera Hand Painted Decorative Water-Res Tile $6.95 |
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Mexican Talavera Hand Painted Decorative Water-Res Tile $6.50 |
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PAINTED BOTH SIDES █ Bathroom Talavera Mexican Sink Ceramic SMALL # 67 $66.99 |
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Lot of 40 Talavera Tiles Hand Made Hand Painted $19.99 |
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H.PAINTED TALAVERA QUADRUPLE OUTLET COVER,MEX FOLK ART $8.95 |
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H.PAINTED TALAVERA TRIPLE GFI OUTLET COVER,FOLK ART $11.95 |
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Hand Painted Sevilla 1 Ceramic Plate $80.00 - Lead Free – Food Safe – So beautiful you will be tempted to display it, but these plates are certainly durable enough to use for serving food. Mounting hole cast into back rim so it may be hung on a wall…. |
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Hand Painted Danubio Rojo 5 Ceramic Plate - Lead Free – Food Safe – So beautiful you will be tempted to display it, but these plates are certainly durable enough to use for serving food. Mounting hole cast into back rim so it may be hung on a wall…. |
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Hand Painted Niza 4 Ceramic Plate $59.00 - Lead Free – Food Safe – So beautiful you will be tempted to display it, but these plates are certainly durable enough to use for serving food. Mounting hole cast into back rim so it may be hung on a wall…. |
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Mexican Tile – 4×4 Palacio Sencillo Talavera $1.65 The Palacio Sencillo talavera tile can be a perfect complement to decorate a bathroom shower wall, a kitchen backsplash, a fireplace, a stairway, or any other project you have in mind. Each of our Mexican talavera tile is unique and handcrafted. The hand made nature gives it a warm and rustic finish. The tiles are made from clay dug out of the ground and fired to a temperature at which the clay un… |
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Talavera Light Switch Plate Cover – Single Flip Switch, Assorted Colors $7.75 Brighten up any room by replacing your existing switch plate cover with one of these hand painted in the traditional Talavera style in Mexico. The plate cover is designed for a light switch cover with a single flip switch. The picture shows two different switchplate designs. This is a representation of what they will look like. The one(s) you order will be similar but not identical since each one … |
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Talavera Light Switch Plate Cover – Duplex Plate, Assorted Colors $9.50 Brighten up any room by replacing your existing switch plate cover with one of these hand painted in the traditional Talavera style in Mexico. The plate cover is designed for a duplex plug (3-prong). Due to varying needs of different walls, we do NOT include screws or hardware. The picture shows four different switchplate designs. This is a representation of what they will look like. The one you o… |
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Traditional Mexican Style Interiors (Schiffer Design Book) $25.19 There is charm and character in a Mexican home like no other architectural style. It is a classic, timeless style that remains in constant demand. All who enjoy looking at beautiful interiors and want new ideas for their own home will find this book irresistible. Over 280 color photographs of some of the most beautiful new, old, and remodeled Mexican-style homes are compiled here. Color is everywh… |
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