~KEN EDWARDS' PAINTERS & THEIR 'CHOP MARKS'~

With this handy guide, you can see who painted each piece of your beloved Ken Edwards Stoneware...provided they were working during the last decade. I don't remember exactly when we were presented with this lovely gift, but it was shortly after the turn of the new century. This one was painted by 'spiderman' Victor Pila Frias.

~TZITZIKI~~FLOWER of the FOREST~

This serene image, captured in a corner of the Hernandez Cerrano family workshop. Proud piña makers, now 3 generations strong. Their workshop has a registered trademark. It's called Tzitziki, a Pur' hepechan word that means "Flower of the Forest". They've also constructed a community Museum/Showcase in their courtyard, where visitors can see enormous award winning pieces from years gone by.

~DIVINE PINEAPPLE~~PIñA DIVINA~

This is one of the famous "Piñas de Barro", clay pineapples from Michoacan. There are many Pineapple crafters in the small town of San Jose de Gracias, Michoacan. Our favorites come from the workshop named "Tsitsiki", a Pur'hepechan word meaning "Flower of the Forest". The family of Pedro Hernandez Carlos, 3 generations, work their magic hands to produce these exquisite pieces. They are accomplished by a combination of molds and hand work. The details are all by hand. They are a wonder to watch in action. Consistent prize-winners and innovators, they set the high bar for their fellow craftsmen of the town. This is an example of one of their prize-winning designs.

Every time we visit them, I wander in awe, through the various work stations and drying areas they have set up for each of the stages of production. I want them ALL!!! This last visit, only 2 weeks ago, we got a preview of some new styles they're working on. The family is SO amazingly creative. And there are all sizes, from tiny to gigantic.

In the next few posts, I'll be showing pics from the workshop...get ready to swoon!!!          
                                                    

~KEN EDWARDS STONEWARE~

Just one of the many magical pieces from the artisans at Ken Edwards, waiting to grace your table and cupboard.

There are 3 styles of decoration. One wouldn't call them a pattern, because each scene is a different combination of elements. The designs have been part of Jalisco for countless years.  A language the artists use to express their love for the diverse natural beauty of the region. Elements in the designs include, birds of all kinds, butterflies, rabbits, deer, fish and fantastic flowers and leaves.

This is a large platter in the style "Coleccion". The other styles are "Monarca" and "Tradicional". The style "Tradicional" was originally called "El Palomar". I'll post examples of the other styles in my next posts.

Stoneware is fired at a very high temperature, so these are dishwasher and microwave safe. The glazes are also lead free. More about Ken Edwards later also....wish I knew how to make a smiley face...I LOVE THIS STUFF!!!!!