Talavera tile is the name for the tiles made in Mexico using the local clays, a majolica white glaze and mainly blue painted decoration. The full name for this tile is talavera poblano to differentiate this pottery from the talavera pottery made in Spain, but the poblano is usually dropped, so those interested in one type or the other need to learn to recognize the difference. The difference is mostly in the thickness of the lines and the amount of other colored glazes used over the white Majolica glaze. Spanish talavera also uses the majolica white glaze and five or six colors of glaze to make the decoration on the pottery, but the style of painting is different from the Mexican talavera pottery.
These tiles are representative of Spanish talavera pottery.
The style of the Mexican talavera pottery and tile is more robust and patterns cover more of the piece. The colors used include blue, which is predominant, orange, yellow, green, black, and mauve. The lines are thicker and bolder, and the painting is sometimes less controlled than that of the Spanish talavera pottery.
Mexican talavera covered jar.
Mexican talavera tile can be used as regular tile, but many tiles are made into table tops and mirrors. The table tops are usually inset into a wrought iron table form and are common patio furniture in the areas of the US adjoining Mexico. They do not need to be protected from the weather and are very colorful, adding a touch of fiesta to a patio or porch. The placement of tiles on a table top emphasizes the pattern of the tiles, as corner motifs join to make a counter pattern to the motifs in the center of the tiles. You can also get table tops where all the tiles are different, and these are very colorful and busy.
This is an old installation of Mexican talavera tiles.
Mexican talavera tiles can also be used to make a talavera tile mirror, where the wood backing is one tile wider on all four sides than the rectangular mirror, and a wood strip edges the whole mirror/wood/tile assembly. The use of the same tile or different tiles can make quite a difference in the effect the mirror has when hung. The mirrors made with all the same pattern tile are colorful but sedate, while mirrors made with all different tiles are not only colorful, but boisterous with the mixtures of colors and pattern. Even mirrors made with all blue and white tiles with different patterns tiles can be a little busy.
Notice how the corners join to make a motif as important as the motif in the center of each tile.
One thing you should be aware of if you are buying talavera poblano tile is that each tile may be bowed somewhat. The very best tiles are not, but cheaper tiles may not be flat. This can make using them in floors impossible, and may affect the tile table top you want to make. If possible, you will want to pick the individual tiles yourself, to ensure you get the flattest tiles possible. How much you pay for the tiles will also have a bearing on how flat they are.
This Portuguese tile resembles Mexican talavera in style and application of the glazes.
Talavera tile, from Moorish to Spanish to Mexican, is a colorful addition to any wall, floor, patio or table top. Consider it the next time you want a spot of color added to your home or yard.
The images on this post are from Stock Xchnge.
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