There are many reasons to love the Southwestern United States. The sunsets, the canyons, the great weather, just to name a few. For me, you can't beat the colors. Bright pinks, yellows, and oranges coat the sky during sunsets. The yellows, pinks, and whites of cactus blossoms dot the desert in the spring time. When you see the layers of mountains in the distance, you'll see hues of purple you didn't even know existed. The colors of Arizona and the surrounding states are a sight to behold, but let's face it, most of us live in the city and are lucky enough to have a yard. But unless you want to spend all your hard earned money on water to grow grass for that yard, it may be a bit brown with dirt. Enter: Talavera pottery.
Talavera pottery is probably one of the most seen items in stores and in and around peoples' homes. Maybe you've never heard it called by this name, but you would certainly recognize it once you saw it. It's the flower pots, house numbers, or dishes that usually have a white base and then a bright, fun, and colorful design that draws you in. Some people have Talavera pottery in every aspect of their home including their dining dishes, soap dispensers, and decorating their yards. Some people just have one flower pot that is a lovely spot of color in an otherwise brown yard. No matter how you use it, Talavera pottery fits in with the Southwestern landscape or is perfect if you want to bring a piece of the Southwest home with you. The colorful designs will make you happy every time you look at them.
In the 16th Century, Spanish pottery makers from Talavera de la Reina made their way to Puebla, Mexico where they introduced their majolica style of pottery. While majolica pottery is usually white and blue only, Mexican Talavera pottery uses many colors with floral and celestial motifs. Everything from sinks to fruit bowls can be made in the Talavera style. Each of those items is handcrafted and hand painted in Puebla. In the 1970's there was a worry that there was too much lead in these ceramics so many refrained from eating or drinking out of them. Today, high quality Talavera will be marked 'lead free' and you may eat and drink out of it to your heart's content.
If you've ever been to Pickle Barrel Trading Post, you know the yard area is marvelous year round with blooming flowers, gurgling fountains, and Talavera pottery for days. Whether you want big flower pots, little flower pots, tables, or just a decorative lizard, you'll find what you want at the trading post. Pick up a piece to plant your favorite succulent in to brighten up your otherwise brown yard. Or pick up several pieces to decorate your kitchen, restroom, and whole yard. Maybe you just want a small Talavera animal to set on your desk at work and remind you of the bright colors of the Southwestern United States. Whatever kind of Talavera variety you're looking for, we have it at the Pickle Barrel Trading Post.
By Cameron Vines