Tazza c. 17th century

This Tazza, or shallow dish, was made by the Talavera de la Reina Potteries using traditional Spanish ceramic techniques. It exemplifies the cultural significance of everyday objects. The creamy earthenware base is first coated with an opaque white glaze. Skilled artisans then paint vibrant designs onto the surface. You can see a lion chasing its prey, surrounded by stylized trees and plants. The fluid brushstrokes and saturated colors are characteristic of Talavera pottery. The interplay of form and decoration is a key element. The smooth, curved surface of the Tazza provides an ideal canvas for the painterly design. The production of Talavera pottery historically involved a division of labor, with specialized roles for shaping, glazing, and painting. These kinds of ceramics became a source of regional identity and pride, embodying both artistic expression and local economies. The Tazza blurs the boundaries between fine art and craft, inviting us to consider the cultural and social significance of objects we use every day.