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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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Large Pineapple from Michoacán Award-Winning Piece (1st place), Very fine detail hand work 38"H x 17"W $775 Artist: Juan Gutierrez |
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Large Pineapple with Candle Holder in
Center from Michoacán 23"H x 14"W $258 Artist: Bulmaro Alejos |
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Pottery Piña (and punchbowl) from
Michoacán Comes with green pottery cups that hang on the hooks around the middle 21"H x 13"W $168 Artist: Juan Gutierrez |
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(Pineapple & Punchbowl, shown here without cups) |
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Medium Pineapple from Michoacán 21"H x 11"W $148 Artist: Herlindo Gutierrez |
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Medium Pineapple from Michoacán 24"H x 9"W $148 SOLD Artist: Herlindo Gutierrez |
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Medium Pineapple from Michoacán 23"H x 9"W $148 Artist: Herlindo Gutierrez |
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Green Glazed Pottery Pitchers from
Oaxaca Large: 10"H x 7"W $28 - $34 Small: 7"H x 4"W $18 |
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Small
Candelabra from Michoacán 12"H x 8"W $56 |
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Large Candelabra with Calla Lilies from
Michoacán 22"H x 10"W $180 Artist: Bulmaro Alejos |
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Large Candelabra from Michoacán 28"H x 19"W $240 |
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Large Candelabra with Sunflowers from
Michoacán 27"H x 17"W $240 |
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Medium Pineapple from Michoacán 21"H x 11"W $198 Artist: Bulmaro Alejos |
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Mona from Michoacán 11"H $64 |
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Mona from Michoacán 11"H $64 SOLD |
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Mona from Michoacán 11"H $64 SOLD |
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Candelabra with Calla Lilies from
Michoacán 18"H x 11"W $220 Artist: Bulmaro Alejos |
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Pottery Pig from Michoacán 9"H $36 |
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Pottery Candleholders from Michoacán 9"H $22 each SOLD |
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Pottery Bull from Michoacán 9"H $26 |
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Pottery Piña from Michoacán 20"H x 13"W $198 Artist: Bulmaro Alejos |
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Large Pineapple with Sunflowers from
Michoacán 28"H x 15"W $445 Artist: Bulmaro Alejos |
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Medium Pineapple from Michoacán 21"H x 11"W $148 SOLD Artist: Herlindo Gutierrez |
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Medium Pineapple from Michoacán 20"H x 12"W $182 Artist: Herlindo Gutierrez |
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El Interior |
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