A r t e s a n i a s o f M e x i c o

Pewter

Founded in 1542 by Franciscan monk, Fray Juan de San Miguel and declared a national monument in 1926. San Miguel is a picturesque city of colonial mansions, flower filled patios and winding cobbled streets. It boasts some of Mexico's best craft shops where variety of merchandise and workmanship is exceptional. On the outskirts of town is an aluminum or Mexican pewter factory, the process used here is three hundred years old, and the local people strive to maintain it.

The raw material of 99% aluminum is heated to melting point. The molten metal is then poured into prepared compressed silica sand molds. When cool the multiple items are separated and hand files to remove any excess. Each individual item is strenuously hand cleaned, polished then buffed to a beautiful patina. If necessary ceramic handles and inserts are added before all items are checked for quality and packed.

Ceramics

The ancient art of ceramic making in Mexico dates back many thousands of years. Due to the preservability of ceramics we can learn a lot about the way people lived and worshipped.

Today Mexico is still a land of potters. The traditional methods passed down through the centuries are still used to create ingenious and truly beautiful work.

Santa Rosa de Lima. A traditional Mexican village carved into the red clay hills surrounding Guanajuato. This is the home to a family of majolica potters.

The meticulous process begins with the selection and sifting of the fine red clay. The hand turned raw pots are dried then white glazed at a high temperature. The unique design is then hand painted onto each and then fired once more. This ensures an even lustrous shine and lucid colouring.

[ order now ]