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Michoacán Pottery |
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| In the state of Michoacán,
near the community of San José de Gracia, large chunks of clay are
extracted from the earth and brought back to the village. These chunks
of clay are the raw material used in the making of the renowned
pineapple pots with the intricate details and the luminous green glaze. Some of the most wonderful of these pineapples, like the ones seen below, showcase the exceptional skill and mastery of the artisans that create them. These artisans employ outstanding techniques of appliqué and openwork to produce masterpieces that form punchbowls, pineapple pots, candelabras of various sizes, and other objects. The use of yellow and blue glazes, in addition to the traditional green, also give new dimension to these artful forms. To begin, the piece of clay is cleaned, ground, and sifted. It is then wet and formed into a "pancake" before it is molded. After molding the form of the pot, the pineapple is elaborated by adding appliqué work that gives the piece its realistic textured "skin". This process takes tremendous patience and skill, as each tiny detail must contribute to the overall harmony and symmetry of the piece. It is then placed inside the workshop to dry and protected from any currents of air. Later, the drying process is completed outside in the sun and fired in an open kiln. After the piece has cooled after the firing, the surface is hand-painted with a preparation of lead oxide or copper dissolved in water that will give the piece its shiny glaze. It is then very carefully receives its last firing. The shine, delicacy, and overall artistry of the Michoacán pottery is impressive and inspires awe in art lovers everywhere. The immeasurable amount of work that is required to create each piece is evident and worthy of - and has our - complete admiration. |
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#MICH01 Large Pineapple from Michoacán,
Mexico Award-Winning Piece (1st place), Very fine detail hand work 38"H x 17"W $775 Artist: Juan Gutierrez |
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#MICH02 Large Pineapple with Sunflowers from
Michoacán, Mexico 28"H x 15"W $445 Artist: Bulmaro Alejos |
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#MICH03 Medium Pineapple from Michoacán,
Mexico 22"H x 8"W $168 SOLD Artist: Herlindo Gutierrez |
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#MICH04 Green Glazed Pottery Pitchers from
Oaxaca Large: 10"H x 7"W $28 - $34 Small: 7"H x 4"W $18 ALL SOLD |
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#MICH05 Large Candelabra with Calla Lilies from
Michoacán, Mexico 22"H x 10"W $180 SOLD Artist: Bulmaro Alejos |
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#MICH06 Large Candelabra with Sunflowers from
Michoacán, Mexico 27"H x 17"W $240 |
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#MICH07 Medium Pineapple from Michoacán,
Mexico 14"H x 8"W $94 SOLD Artist: Juan Gutierrez |
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#MICH09 Medium Pineapple with
Candleholder Inside from Michoacán, Mexico 14"H x 8"W $94 SOLD Artist: Juan Gutierrez |
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#MICH10 Medium Green Pottery Candleholder from Michoacán,
Mexico 16"H x 8"W $94 SOLD Artist: Juan Gutierrez Two Available |
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#MICH11 Small Green Pottery Pineapple
Candleholders from Michoacán,
Mexico 12"H x 6"W each $78 Both SOLD Artist: Juan Gutierrez |
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#MICH12 Small Green Pottery Pineapple from Michoacán,
Mexico 12"H x 6"W $78 each Far right SOLD Artist: Juan Gutierrez |
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#MICH13 Small Green Pottery Pineapple from Michoacán,
Mexico 11"H x 5"W $54 each Both SOLD Artist: Herlindo Gutierrez |
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#MICH14 Extra-Small Green Pottery
Pineapple from Michoacán, Mexico 7"H x 4"W $32 each Both SOLD Artist: Herlindo Gutierrez |
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#MICH15 Extra-Small Green Pottery
Pineapple from Michoacán, Mexico 8"H x 5"W $39 each SOLD Artist: Juan Gutierrez |
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El Interior |
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Last updated on 6/15/11 |
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