Spanish Colonial, Mexico, ca. 17th to 18th centuries CE. Four Talavera ceramic tiles, all adorned with traditional floral-inspired motifs, hand-painted in glazes of cobalt and light sky blue against an opaque milky white glaze with a slight blue cast, all with blue borders. Talavera tile has been used in the central cities of Mexico since its origins in 1656, adorning cathedrals, public buildings and spaces, and private haciendas. These tiles are a brilliant expression of historic Mexican culture with Spanish, Moorish, Mediterranean, and Asian influences. Sizes: each measures approximately 4-5/8" x 4-5/8".

Mexican Talavera pottery has a long and complex history yet continues to hold allure in modern times. It is named for the Spanish village of Talavera de la Reina, and tells a multicultural story with Moorish, Egyptian, Italian, Chinese, African, Persian, and Pre-Columbian influences. The Spanish influence dates to the Moors' invasion. The Moors had immense knowledge of pottery from ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. This was later shaped by Italian Renaissance and Asian artisans. Next, the Spanish Colonialists landed in Mexico where they blended their styles and techniques with those of the native Mayans and Aztecs. Colonial Mexican cities, most notably Puebla in central Mexico, are renowned for their Talavera tiles. As Talavera pottery production grew and continue to be refined, tile murals were created to adorn the walls of churches, gardens, stairways, buildings, and homes in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Provenance: Ex-Historia Antiques, Santa Monica, CA.

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#109241

Minor surface wear and losses as shown. Remaining fresco/stucco on backsides from walls to which once attached.