Ceramic Art of Mexico

Folk Art and Fine Art in Ceramics from various regions of Mexico

Ceramics in Mexico date back thousands of years before Columbus.  Ceramic arts and pottery crafts developed with the first advanced civilizations and cultures of Mesoamerica. Mesoamerican pottery was hand coiled and low fired, sometimes burnished or covered in slip prior to decoration.

When the Spaniards conquered Mexico, they introduced the Potters Wheel, the enclosed Kiln, Glazes and new shapes: the Tile, the Candle Holder and the Olive Jar.

As modern ceramic techniques entered the marketplace, Mexican pottery shifted from housewares to decorative pieces. The production of folk art and fine ware still has an important role in the Mexican economy and the production of pottery in general is still important to Mexican culture.