Talavera de la Reina

You may not know the name, but you've probably seen examples of this style of ceramics and pottery, expecially if you've been to Mexico. Well, the original 'Talavera' is here, of course.

A little history:

Talavera de la Reina pottery is a craft made in Talavera de la Reina, Spain, Dishes, jars and other objects have been found in recent archaeological excavations; some of the materials discovered date back to the Roman Empire.

Arabs brought to the city new techniques, including a new kind of oven for baking pottery. During that era, many of the pieces included abstract motifs as prescribed by Muslim religious restrictions. In the fifteenth century, Jan Floris brought new styles from Holland. He founded a factory which started the pottery tradition of the city.

Ceramics of Talavera have been used to make fountains; examples exist in Cuba and Brazil. Tiles for buildings have been made; some are in New Orleans, Tokyo and Paris. Its presence in Royal Palaces and Museums all over the world testify to its quality.

Below are photos of the church in Talavera (you can guess most of the biblical scenes) and then on to the wonderful parks next to the church, in the center of Talavera.  Just people relaxing, reading, walking, walking their dogs, playing with their kids.  And no jokes about the priest playing with the little boy.  I saw the priest in church and he was with the abuela (granny.)  The Junior Red Cross was having some sort of event for the kids with face painting and bracelet making, etc.  What I have seen here and elsewhere in Europe is that you see Dads with their kids as often as you see Mommy with them.

Remember that religious art was not only beautiful but it was functional as well.  Most people could not read.  They heard the stories and the art showed them the stories so they would remember and understand. 

Notice the GIANT knife in this depiction of Jesus's circumcision.  Yeowwch!

I WANT THESE DOORS!

Another small park in central Talavera.