The exotic ceramics from Mexico held by the Moravian Gallery is a unique series illustrating the work of Mexican potters in the second half of the 19th century. The core of the exhibition consists of the products of the famous workshops in Tonalá, one of the leading ceramic centres in the Mexican state of Jalisco. The examples include richly- painted polychrome ceramic vessels with elements of gold and silver.
The collection of exotic ceramics from mexico in the Moravian
gallery is a unique series presenting theart of mexican potters in
the second half of the 19th century, together with examples of
sculpture from the pre-columbus era.
the historically valuable collection of mexican ceramics from the
period following the declaration of mexican independence (1821)
exceeds, in terms of its quality and extent, a similar series held
by the Náprstek museum, Prague, and only a few museums and
galleries in Europe boast comparable pieces.
The exhibits, acquired for the mg collection in the late 19th
century, were produced in several ways. somewere created in moulds
(pre-columbus sculptures), others were hand-worked (modern-age
figures) andothers wheel-thrown (19th-century vessels).
the pieces on display include an outstanding series produced by a
workshop in the town of tonalá, inthe mexican state of Jalisco. the
ceramic vessels made on the wheel, polychromed and polished,
decorated with gold and silver, are considered archetypical mexican
art. rich floral ornaments and figures of birds and animals,
fantastically stylized, are inspired by mexican wildlife and
national symbols; one fine
example is an eagle perched on a cactus holding a snake in its
beak. this image is based on an Aztec legend about the foundation
of the capital of tenochtitlan (now mexico city) on the site where
travelling Aztecs are said to have seen an eagle with a snake in
its beak in 1325.
Zoomorphic vessels and candlesticks, challenges to the viewers'
imagination, are probably the most attractive of the various types
of ceramic on show. these include the nagual, mythical creatures
with animal body and human head that, according to mexican
tradition, help people find the way to a successful and happy
life.
these mexican ceramics, blending reality with fantasy, provide an
encounter with exoticism abounding in joy and imagination.
