[Source: www.pinterest.com]
[Source: http://love2fly.iberia.com]
Take a moment to illustrate the everyday plate used for eating, which is not very exciting: but then, greatly decorated with outstandingly bright colors that depicts a fragment of the Mexican history. A painting done on plates? Yes, that is, simply explained, the essence of the Talavera pottery.
From Puebla, Cholula, Tecali, all the way to Mexico City, the undeniable popularity of the Mexican Talavera soars throughout all of the country, being one of the most used housing decoration options for both locals and visitors. Also, it is not rare for one to see talavera pottery in hotels, tourist sites, or even in the streets.
The immense love for Talavera pottery in Mexico can most notably be observed in the South Korean community of Mexico City. In fact, it is not an overstatement to say that every household owns at least one form of Talavera pottery, the plate art being the most popular. Moreover, out of all of the Talavera brands in Mexico, Javier Servin is the most widely praised and purchased one for its high quality and immaculate beauty.
To gain a deeper insight into the Korean love for Talavera in Mexico City, an interview was held with a mother of 8th and 12th grade sons of Greengates School: Yoon Kyeong Kim.
She said, “In my first year here in Mexico City, I got some Talavera artwork as a gift from my Korean neighbors. From that point forth, I gain lots of interest in Talavera pottery and decided to purchase more forms of it. Out of them all, the plate art is the most aesthetically pleasing, especially the ones from the Javier Servin brand. For those coming to Mexico, I recommend having a few Talavera at home as they serve as great decoration.”
Furthermore, a waiter named Jose Luis Garcia, aged 32, at a hotel restaurant in Interlomas, Mexico City was interviewed by JSR.
In his interview he stated, “It’s everywhere. From restaurants like here to ordinary homes, the love for Talavera pottery is big here in Mexico. I even had some Koreans come in a few weeks ago and ask me where they can buy Talavera for house decorations. Talavera is one of the best ways of showing off Mexican culture.”
Known to be the family with the most Talavera placed at home in the South Korean community, the mother Kyeong Hee Lim, aged 51, responded to an interview with JSR: “There are a number of reasons for my affection towards Mexican Talavera. First of all, the concept itself is attractive and captivating. Who knew plates with fine paint would make such a splendid house decoration? Also, the bright and varied color combinations on the plates is really fascinating and beautiful, which makes a warming atmosphere as well. Finally, whenever I return to Korea for the holidays, there is no better gift for friends and family than small Talavera ornaments.”
It is now quite obvious that Talavera is a big success on the South Korean community in Mexico City. Regardless of where one may travel in Mexico, or when that travel may be, the gorgeous “plate on walls,” Talavera, will be there to welcome his or her visit. I truly hope the love for Talavera in the Korean community and broadly throughout Mexico will be long lived as a star representation of Mexican culture.
