Talavera Espana

Q: This large bowl was found in our flower shop. My husband remembers his buyer telling him he purchased it in Europe, Italy or Spain in the 1960s. It’s 6 inches wide at the base, 16 inches at the top, and about 6 inches high. Can you tell me who made it?

A: The marks on the bottom of your bowl include the words “Talavera” and “España,” indicating it was made in Talavera de la Reina, a city in the province of Toledo, Spain. Pottery has been made in Talavera since the 15th century. The city is known for its earthenware majolica and has been called the “City of Pottery.” Several potters from Talavera set up workshops in Mexico in the 16th century. Talavera pottery is still being made in both Spain and Mexico. Your Talavera bowl was made in Spain. Since it’s marked with the country name, it was made after the McKinley Tariff Act was passed in 1891, and may have been made in the 1960s, about the time it was purchased. It is decorated in an earlier, traditional style.