Featured Small Talavera Ginger Jar - New or Older?

This small Mexican Ginger Jar is 9 inches tall and 5 1/2 inches diameter at its widest point. It is made of red clay and marked TAL MEX on the bottom, which I understand means Talavera Pottery. I was attracted to its bright colors and its handmade/hand painted look. That said, the painting is sloppy and the pottery is somewhat lumpy. It has a small chip on the lid, which is why it was donated. I usually don't buy pottery, but it made me happy. I also wanted to learn about this source of pottery and whether like some Mexican art it has a long history with many tributaries.

Any insights will be appreciated.

 

I like the colors, too, and can see why it attracted you. I hope somebody can help with the history!

 

Thank you. There is a lot about the Spanish Talavera, but I haven't found anything but ads for the Mexican.

 

This is a bit erudite but might be helpful. Also important to see the quality of workmanship achieved. The Met identifies this shape as a chocolate jar.

https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/tala/hd_tala.htm

Debora

 

Okay, Talavera pottery appears to be a pottery method or tradition, not necessarily the name of a company. There is a lengthy article on Wikipedia, which you may have seen: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talavera_pottery

The article does go into some detail on the nature of the Mexican production.

It seems to me that the mark on the bottom could well be a generic mark, not the mark of a company. Not sure, and will hope for others who know more to come along.

 

Nice article!

 

Debora
Interesting article for sure, and also the observation about the workmanship which like mine appears to be unsophisticated. Thank you for this.
Kiko

 

Yes, "Tal." indicates a place not a maker. You know... To my eye, the motif on your jar is a design more likely to be found on Moroccan ceramics. Given quality of execution isn't terribly high, wonder if it wasn't a recent, inexpensive beach resort souvenir marketed to the -- how shall we say -- uninitiated.

Debora

 

Duh. I didn't think to look there. Thank you very much. I was overwhelmed with ads and just threw in the towel.

 

Could certainly be. Since I'm from Southern California, I just assumed it was from Mexico. I got it at a resale shop, so who knows where it came from. But this discussion and your thoughts have been very worthwhile. Thank you very much.

 

It looks like an artichoke?

 

Actually, the design is peacock.

 

Right, you are!

 

I found these after reading @Figtree3's post on the Wikipedia article.

 

Found one similar with broken link on a site specializing in Mexican Talavera Pottery

 

Thank you for educating me re the motif. It is indeed called "pavo real" or "peacock."

Debora

 

Great. New search term. Thank you!

 

I had to share this

 

This one on live auctioneers was estimated for $500 - $5,000 but it was passed.

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/en-...can-talavera-pottery-canister-peacock-pattern

 

Talavera is typically from Puebla which is a 2-million city two hours away to the South from Mexico City. There is a large number of small companies where they make ceramics, all of which has the denomination of origin. Usually, each company would mark the item with their name, unlike in this one. I will try to explore more on this one, though