patterned

Olga Jimenez of Mexico works on a traditional backstrap loom to create this pretty tortilla holder. The tortilla pouch is crafted of 100% cotton in a striped pattern of lapis blue and off-white.

Working with three different types of local clay and glazes made from banana leaf ash, Regina Aguilar of Honduras crafts this pretty pair of dinner plates. The periwinkle ceramic plates feature a subtle spiral pattern and slightly raised rim.

Reverse-painted glass, introduced to Peru in the 17th century, is now a revered Peruvian art form. The Ortiz Family brings to this craft a unique conflux of influences. Their repetitive geometrical and symmetrical patterns owe their origins to Inca pottery, but their coloration is drawn from the multi-hued blue and gold tiles found in North Africa and Spain. Our glass-topped wooden tray is handcrafted in the family’s workshop in Peru.

This sublime Talavera-style serving bowl by Mexico's Ivan Martinez reunites the traditional techniques of centuries. Crafted from ceramic and carefully painted by hand before being fired at high temperatures, the piece offers a touch of classic joy to your tables thanks to its Hacienda-themed floral pattern in intense sapphire, crimson, peridot and daffodil hues.

Thai artisans Thatsanee and Ramphan pay homage to the ancient weaving traditions of Thailand with this beautiful tea set. The set of teapot and 2 cups is crafted using time-honored celadon ceramic techniques and given a blue crackle glaze. A colorful patterned band reminiscent of Thai textiles is hand-painted on the teapot and both cups, and also adorns the lid's handle.

A flower blossoms with scintillating beauty, spreading its petals throughout the ivory background of this sugar and creamer set. Like a kaleidoscope in blue undertones, the magnificent design is by Pedro Tecayehuatl, expert in the legendary art of Talavera-style ceramics from Puebla. Featuring black contours, the cobalt blue sugar and creamer are crafted by hand.

Talavera is a distinctive art form brought to Mexico by artisans from Talavera de la Reina, Spain. The ceramic artisans of Puebla, Mexico then incorporated Chinese designs, thus creating the blue and oyster-white patterns traditionally associated with Talavera Poblana. Today there are also more "contemporary" designs that include yellow, green, orange, mauve, black and red.

National and international conventions require that a rigorous procedure be followed in the elaboration of authentic Talavera-style ceramics. Each individual piece will be slightly different, and therefore a unique work of art.