Talavera de Puebla Vase

Place of OriginPuebla, Mexico

Date1650-1700

Dimensions15 1/2 × 12 3/4 × 5 1/4 × 7 3/4 in. (39.4 × 32.3 × 13.3 × 19.6 cm)

Mediumtin-enameled earthenware

ClassificationCeramics

Credit LinePurchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

2024.3

On View

Toledo Museum of Art (2445 Monroe Street), Gallery, 35

DescriptionA large, wide-shouldered vase with narrow neck and flat, footless base, with a surface treatment of blue and white glaze. It is decorated with a continuous frieze all around the main body of the vessel with a central figure of a mermaid in an elaborate headdress playing a guitar. The central figure of the mermaid is positioned amongst plumeado (feather) motifs in which can be seen buildings, trees, and animals such as jaguars and deer. The neck exhibits a separate band of decoration with foliage and insects. The base, likewise, is a separate band and illustrates a man with a club hunting various animals.