Here's What You Should Know About Those Beautiful Mexican Sinks (& How To Get One)

Colorful Mexican pottery is not hard to spot, with its vivid hues and complex designs as unique as the maker. Often in the form of vessels, bowls, vases, and tiles, these functional clay pottery items are also a form of folk-art originating in Puebla, Mexico, called Talavera, which is coveted for its beauty, as well as the effort that goes into the distinctive and labor-intensive process in which it is made. One of the most stunning applications for this one-of-a-kind style is a vessel sink (or a drop-in version) that brings a bathroom to life with its charm, vibrancy, and handmade aesthetic. A sink like this will be the star of the show, undoubtedly a conversation starter with your guests.

That being said, an important part of owning an incredible Talavera sink is being knowledgeable about the art form as a whole, as well as why its historical and cultural significance makes this pottery style so special. After all, when it comes to the world of interior design, there's only thing better than a one-of-a-kind statement piece — and that's one with a rich story that starts a meaningful dialogue. So, let's dive into a little history lesson, shall we?

The Talavera artform holds major significance in Mexican culture and history, though its origins were a true cultural melting pot of ideas and innovations. The process of tin-glazing pottery was developed in the Middle East to imitate the look of Chinese porcelain, which was being introduced to the world via trade routes, like the Silk Road, out of Asia. The Moors brought these techniques to Spain, who then passed them along to Mexico when they arrived to colonize. Indigenous people in Puebla were making earthenware pottery using traditional methods and local volcanic clay long before the Spanish arrived, but when the colonizers introduced the tin-glazing process and pottery wheel, the techniques fused with the local method, giving way to the Talavera pottery art form. Ordinances were created to regulate the process and materials used to ensure authenticity (stamped as such) and high-quality crafted Talavera items, which in turn became the pride of Puebla.

Talavera is made from a blend of black and white clays unique to Puebla, which goes through a process of mixing, filtering, and resting for several weeks before it's ready to be formed — using a pottery wheel for small vessels, or a mold for larger pieces like sinks. It is then fired in the kiln, sanded, and prepped for glaze. Talavera's signature off-white glaze base, traditionally made from silica, sand, tin, and lead (though many contemporary potters opt for lead-free glazes), is applied to the piece. Next, artisans stencil on the intricate designs with charcoal and then hand paint the colorful glazes, which are brought to life in vibrant, glassy hues with a second kiln firing. The entire process takes months. The time, effort, and love that goes into each piece is a huge factor in its beauty.

With the technique behind Talavera having so many incredible global influences, and the process requiring such intricate expertise, it is no wonder this earthenware is cherished and celebrated. You are undoubtedly wondering where you can get one of these incredible handmade sinks for your own home. 

Aside from taking a shopping vacation to Mexico, the largest retailers for Talavera sinks are online importers, though without verification of legitimacy, proceed with caution before ordering online through unknown sites. Instead, look for websites like Etsy, Ebay, Amazon, and the like, who support third party sellers, such as importers or individual artisans, as well as provide extra protection for buyers. It is also worth noting that it's important to read the fine print on any Talavera product page, as some have a disclaimer basically saying the photo is just an example and that they will send whatever designs they have in stock. It would be a disappointment to receive something you were not anticipating. Similarly, a product description (and price) should indicate whether the sink is authentic stamped Talavera or a nice handmade reproduction.

When in doubt, the best place to purchase the perfect colorful Talavera sink is to find a local store that has already done the importing for you. This way, you can see the design, colors, size, and details in person before committing. The effort to find your one-of-a-kind colorful Talavera sink will all be worth it when you get to enjoy the unique, colorful, and beautiful handmade piece of pottery in your bathroom every day, as well as share and appreciate the historical and cultural significance in every conversation that it will inevitably spark with your guests.