Ceramic plate · Michoacán · Black & white

Large decorative plate handmade and hand-signed in Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, featuring a stylised face of the Purépecha Sun God in manganese black over a background of kaolin white. This stunning piece captivates with its hypnotic concentric pattern of radiating triangles that spiral outward from the central solar deity, whose serene expression and geometric detailing evoke the power of ancient cosmology. The masterful contrast between the deep black slip and creamy white ground creates a mesmerising play of light and shadow that transforms any space into a celebration of Mexican ceramic heritage.

The Craft. This plate showcases the artistry of traditional Purépecha pottery, where local clay is hand-formed and painted with meticulous precision using manganese black and kaolin white slips. The intricate geometric pattern—hundreds of individual triangles arranged in perfect concentric rings—requires exceptional skill and patience to execute, with each element carefully painted by hand before the piece is glazed with a lead-free glaze and fired at high temperature. The result is a durable, luminous surface where the glossy finish amplifies every detail of the design.

The Heritage. The richness of local crafts in the Purépecha-inhabited area of southwestern Mexico, now known as Michoacán, has been a source of pride since pre-Hispanic times, encouraging a way of living and perpetuating indigenous culture. New techniques such as glazing and high-firing kilns were introduced by the Spaniards in the 16th century, helping indigenous communities modernise their craft whilst maintaining ancestral knowledge. Tzintzuntzan, or 'the place of the hummingbird' in the Purépecha language, was the seat of the Tarascan empire and is now one of the pueblos mágicos (magical villages) of Michoacán. Clay is abundant in the surrounding hills, and many Purépecha dedicate their lives to creating both utilitarian and artistic pottery, the latter featuring designs inspired by the local natural landscape or pre-Hispanic motifs.

The Maker. Master potter Manuel Morales Gámez is a fifth-generation potter who began to work in clay at the age of eight under his father's tutelage. He later perfected his skill at the University of Michoacán, where he studied painting and graphic design. Manuel returned to Tzintzuntzan and converted the missionary hospital into a rustic ceramics studio. His vessels are an expression of his world view, reflecting the surrounding nature—especially the lake of his childhood—and ancient symbols found on the yácatas (pyramids) outside Tzintzuntzan. Each signed piece represents decades of mastery and a deep connection to both cultural heritage and artistic innovation.