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How do I identify Tonalá pottery?
1 Answer

To identify Tonalá pottery, look at images shared on trusted online resources to become familiar with the traditional style of pieces produced in the city of Tonalá, Mexico. Two decorative motifs are often featured on Tonalá pottery. One is the nahual, a shapeshifter usually depicted as a smiling cat, and the second is the flor de Tonalá, a pattern featuring deep blue blooms and sometimes birds. Usually, Tonalá pottery will be predominantly white with areas of glossy brown visible along the top, bottom or both. For additional assistance with the identification process, consult a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. On 1stDibs, find a range of Tonalá pottery.
1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
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Shop for Tonala Pottery on 1stDibs
Vintage Tonala Pottery Small Cat Sculpture, Hand-Painted Bird Decor
By Tonala Pottery
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Charming small Tonala pottery figurine depicts a reclining cat with folded front paws and raised head; the cat is looking forward with wide open, large eyes and a slightly surprised ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
Tonala Mexico Art Pottery Set of 5 Owl Miniature Sculptures
By Ken Edwards, Tonala Pottery
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage ceramic or pottery set of owl figurines feature traditional rounded bodies, decorated with abstract graphic elements and floral motifs. The cohesive palette of pale coral pin...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Materials
Pottery, Ceramic
Folk Art Pottery Pitcher - Hand Painted Birds & Flowers - Mexico - Circa 1920's
By Tonala Pottery
Located in Chatham, ON
Exceptional Mexican folk art terra cotta pitcher or vase - medium size - fine, thin potted vessel - hand made and hand painted with birds and flowers in red, yellow and black enamels...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Terracotta
Tonala Mexico Bird Jar with Lid, Signed Hand-painted 1960s
By Ken Edwards, Tonala Pottery
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Ceramic cylinder-shaped jar features Folk Art style decor with highly detailed floral motifs and garlands, repeating on both front and back sides of the jar. The lid is decorated wit...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
Tonala Mexico Large Decorative Tile Wall Decor, 1960s
By Tonala Pottery, Ken Edwards
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Large square ceramic wall decor or tile features hand-painted Folk Art style decor with charming detailed motif of two white birds standing next to large flowering plants and red gra...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
Massive Hand Painted Tonalá Folk Art Pottery Charger - Mexico - Circa 1980's
By Tonala Pottery
Located in Chatham, ON
Massive hand made Tonalá folk art terra cotta charger - featuring a hand painted bird, cactus and floral decoration to the center (all cold painted with mineral slip pigments of blue...
Category
Late 20th Century Mexican Spanish Colonial Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Terracotta, Paint


