Ceramics and pottery from Guanajuato

Description

The art of ceramics is a manufacturing technique that did not arise with the arrival of the Spanish since from periods before the conquest we have important examples such as Chupicuaro and pottery of utilitarian products in several ancient civilizations. In both Michoacán and Guanajuato, pre-Hispanic civilizations already made use of the art of ceramics but we added excellence and beauty due to the advances that both Lanao de China that came from the Philippines and the influence of the 700 years of Arab domination in Spain had an impact on the brilliance and durability that the pieces were acquiring and with this a process of valorization of Ceramics.

Ceramic crafts are one of the most visible manifestations of the cultural diversity of the State of Guanajuato that reflects identity and heritage. In Guanajuato there is a particular case with ceramics since a great European influence can be seen with the characteristics of what is called Talavera-type ceramics or majolica-type ceramics.

When the man of ancient Mexico became a potter, we already found styles in Guanajuato that were among the most beautiful in Mesoamerica. This ceramic still did not have brilliance because neither the pigments nor the glazes were known. The technique of glazing and enamelling fired clay was found in this state in the second half of the 16th century. This ceramic was known as earthenware and we find in history that in the mid-17th century the guild of pottery makers was created and they regulated their craft into three genres: yellow, common and fine. Quality and manufacturing details were specified in fine earthenware. It is considered that Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a hero of independence, contributed in Guanajuato to the economic boom with the flourishing of ceramic workshops that were dedicated to the production of fine earthenware for the dasocracy and likewise other workshops made utilitarian figures such as flowerpots, jugs that satisfied the needs of its inhabitants and neighboring populations.

Some designs were copied from Spanish pieces but the potters adapted to their taste and created a different style that characterizes Guanajuato, in national and international fairs and exhibitions.

englishCeramics and pottery of Guanajuato

The art of pottery in the State of Guanajuato did not arise with the arrival of the Spaniards. We have important examples from periods before the conquest, such as the "Chupicuaro" culture and pottery for utilitarian products in several ancient civilizations. In Michoacán as well as in Guanajuato the pre-Hispanic civilizations already made use of pottery, but we were adding excellence and beauty through the advances that both the "Nao de China" (cargo ship) that came from the Philippines, as well as the influence of the 700 years of Arab domination in Spain. These pieces acquired brightness and durability. Ceramic craftsmanship is one of the most visible manifestations of the cultural diversity of the State of Guanajuato, reflecting identity and heritage. In Guanajuato, a particular case is presented, since a great European influence can be appreciated with the characteristics of what is called: talavera type or majolica type.

We find in Guanajuato some of the most beautiful styles of Mesoamerica. The surface of the pottery was matt because the glazes were not known. The glazing technique of fired clay is found in this state in the second half of the 15th century. This pottery was known as "earthenware" and we find in history that in the middle of the 17th century, the guild of earthenware makers was created and their trade was regulated into three types: yellow, common and fine earthenware. In the case of fine earthenware, the qualities and details of manufacture were specified.

It is considered that Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a hero of independence, contributed to the economic boom in Guanajuato with the flourishing of ceramic workshops dedicated to the production of fine earthenware for the aristocracy and other workshops made utilitarian figures such as flowerpots and jugs that satisfied the needs of its inhabitants and neighboring towns. Some designs were copied from Spanish pieces, but the potters adapted them to their own taste and created a distinct style that characterizes Guanajuato in national and international fairs and exhibitions.