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Our exceptional Pure Talavera artisans create every piece entirely by hand, using a combination of local clays and firing it twice at high temperatures–resulting in a durable tile with breathtaking color and intricacy of design.
In the 16th century, ceramicists from Talavera de la Reina, Spain, introduced their methods to artisans in Puebla, Mexico. Moorish influences (particularly notable in the intricate geometric designs) along with Spanish, Italian, and Asian influences blended with the indigenous floral and animal motifs to create a truly Mexican style.
 Pure Talavera tile is made from a unique combination of three types of local clay, black, tan, and white, sourced specifically in the Puebla region of Mexico. This clay is unique in its composition, and is an important key to what makes this tile superior in quality.
The clay is sifted by hand to remove impurities, then softened with water, set in an outdoor brick receptacle, and covered with more bricks, which absorb moisture. It is moved to indoor receptacles for the final week or so. During this approximately 21 day process, the clay thickens to the perfect consistency .
Blocks of clay are then formed and set to cure another 15-20 days. At this point, it is ready to form the Talavera tile or other items.
The clay is kneaded by hand and then the tiles are individually cut by hand.
Once the tile is formed, it is dried for twenty days in a closed off indoor space. It is important that the air is neither too humid nor too dry, not too cold or too hot – otherwise, breakage will occur.
The pieces are then fired at 800 degrees Celsius (1472 degrees Fahrenheit) for 8-10 hours.
The tiles are then dipped into a slip glaze, which is produced by grinding a special type of regionally-sourced sand into a fine powder and blending with water.
 The tiles are now hand-painted in traditional colors. The painting process requires great patience, skill and a very steady hand. The paint looks pale and chalky, very different from the colors they become after firing. Sometimes the painters use a finished example of the piece they are working on as a guide.
After painting, the piece is dipped into a final glaze and loaded into the kiln for a final 20-24 hour firing at 1100 degrees Celsius (2000 degrees Fahrenheit), which produces the intensely rich colors.
The vibrant colors are made from natural minerals which are sourced locally and throughout Mexico, and prepared by the artisans themselves. For example, minerals such as iron form the basis for black, copper is required for the green, and red comes from a particular type of rock, finely ground. Tequesquite, a mineral salt found locally near Puebla, is used to produce the striking cobalt blue. (Tequesquite is a grey color mineral salt formed primarily of chloride and sodium carbonate, whose use dates back to pre-Columbian times and is still used today in Mexican cooking.) 
Workshops where the tiles are made are attached to the artisans' family homes.
When you purchase Pure Talavera tile, you are not only helping to maintain the artisan’s family tradition; you are also taking a bit of their culture home with you.
PureTalavera.com brings you the highest quality Talavera Tile, hand made by artisans we have worked with for many years. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to Contact Us.
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