Large Plate 1775 - 1825

This large plate was created by Talavera Poblana, a Mexican pottery tradition rooted in the colonial period. Its history is a complex layering of indigenous craftsmanship, European influences, and the socio-economic realities of colonial Mexico. The plate’s design, with its central architectural motif surrounded by floral patterns, reflects a blending of indigenous aesthetics with Spanish colonial decorative arts. These objects were not merely decorative; they were emblems of status, faith, and cultural identity in a society marked by racial and social hierarchies. The making of Talavera pottery was often a family affair, with skills passed down through generations of indigenous and mestizo artisans. The labor and knowledge of these artisans, often unacknowledged, are embedded in every brushstroke and firing. As you observe this plate, consider how it encapsulates both the beauty and the inequalities inherent in the colonial encounter. It serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between power, identity, and artistic expression.