Vtg. Handcrafted Tonala Mexican "Bird" Clay Ceramic 12.5" Folk Art Plate

Vintage, Handcrafted Mexican Tonala (see detail below) Plate with a lovely floral and bird motif in excellent condition. This handcrafted clay ceramic folk art plate measures 12 3/4" in diameter and is 1 1/2" high. The Bird alone measures is 3" high. Hand painted and glazed nature scene with geometric borders on the front and includes hanging loop on the unglazed back side. Great condition with no cracks, scratches or chips - see photos.

From the Fine Arts College at Colorado College website:
The ceramic production in Tonalá, known as the authentic mestizo ceramic is symbolic of Mexico’s identity. Made of burnished clay or scented clay, these artistic objects are created for ordinary and decorative use. The tradition comes from the Tonalteca group, which used clay to produce polished forms. The first designs of these ceramics were inspired by forms found in nature such as vegetables and roots.
The bright hues used for burnishing the objects originated from the powdered colorful and scented clay found in Mexican soil. During colonial times, the production of pottery incorporated decoration techniques brought by the Augustinian missionaries in the 17th century. The missionaries introduced lacquer that began to be used along with the original burnishing method. Tonalá ceramics became an important part of the decoration of wealthy houses in Spain, for their fragrance, color and design. They were considered luxury objects brought from the Americas.

Lovely wall or coffee table accent!

Shipping via USPS Priority Mail.

Thanks for your interest.

Handmade: Yes
Modified Item: No
Country/Region of Manufacture: Mexico
Culture: Mexican
Provenance: Ownership History Not Available
Brand: tonala