Mexican Tiles: Color, Style, Design

Book Description

Masako Takahashi, coauthor of the best-selling Mexicolor, now turns her attention to the vibrant tiles that are such a key element in Mexican style and design. Bring a festive new look to any home or garden with the ideas in Mexican Tiles. Masako Takahashi leads a colorful architectural tour through Mexico, revealing the many ways tiles are used for function and decoration, adding color and interest to everyday surroundings. Over 175 beautiful color photographs present inspirational examples of classic and contemporary tile work, from colonial-era church facades ornately covered with talavera tiles to vividly detailed modern treatments of bathrooms and kitchens. Including a delightful introduction by Tony Cohen about the history of tile-making in Mexico, plus installation tips and a resource guide, Mexican Tiles is both a fascinating initiation and a practical guide to this key element of Mexican style and design.

Customer Reviews:

A Great Tile Summary.......2006-02-28

I'm in the process of building on the Maya Riviera so this isn't a book read for fun. This is real research looking for real ideas. Building in Spanish Colonial style can't be done without some incorporation of Mexican Tiles. This book is basically 90% pictures and 10% background and history of Mexican Tiles. The background write-up is excellent and gives good history of Talavera and Talavera-Style Tiles. Then it's on to different uses, floors, kitchens, bathrooms, walls and stairs, and patios and gardens.

I'm very simple in the colors I like in homes so these tiles can be "over the top". This book has a lot of these type pictures. It has more tile usage than I've ever seen on exteriors. The kitchen section has huge tile usage but I've seen more attractive usage in other books.

Overall, I did not get any ideas I will definitely use but I did get a different perspective on tile usage. There are definitely pictures I will take back to discuss with my architect and designer which may be incorporated. This book can be consumed in an hour. But it may take many hours of review going over the pictures again and again.

A bit of a let down........2006-01-18

I love Mexican tiles but I felt the book was a bit of a let down. The pictures were a bit small and there wasn't enough information about tilemaking in the book. I think the book would have been much more effective in a larger format where the tiles would have been more impressive. There are some wonderful talavera tile websites on the net for anyone who wants a better overview.

Great content.......2005-08-02

Book has great ideas. Wish it had been hardback. Book binding, does not want to hold together, considering the wear and tear it shall receive. This is also a great book.

AWESOME!!! Fulfilled ALL my expectations!.......2003-04-12

After I bought Masako Takahasi and her husband Tony Cohen's book "Mexicolor", I thought no other book I purchased would EVER compare to that experience. When I discovered "Mexican Tiles", I opened it with fear and trepidation, hoping against all hope, yet hardly daring to believe that it could be even half as good as their first.

But this book is AWESOME!! I think I finally figured out why, after reading Tony Cohen's book "On Mexican Time": these people simply ADORE Mexico, and it comes through in everything they do. All of the wonder and breathless anticipation and teary-eyed beauty that I feel and am so hopelessly unqualified to express when I am either in Mexico or adding to my collection of artesania, Tony vividly portrays in his prose and Masako captures with her camera.

As for subject matter, I LOVE Talavera tiles, Talavera pottery, Talavera ANYTHING, because they are so INCREDIBLY Mexican, and this book is simply PAGE after GORGEOUS PAGE of Talavera-lined kitchens, bathrooms, stairs, floors...you name it, it's tiled. If you at all appreciate ethnic interior design or Mexican handicrafts, this is an AWESOME book!!!

California Tile: The Golden Era 1910-1940: Acme to Handcraft
Average customer rating:

Great Book, but Dang! Where's the rest of it?

California Tile: The Golden Era 1910-1940: Acme to Handcraft

Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Encyclopedia of American Art Tiles: Region 6 Southern California (Schiffer Book for Collectors)

ASIN: 0764319426

Customer Reviews:

Great Book, but Dang! Where's the rest of it?.......2004-02-24

Without a doubt, this has got to be one of the best, if not the best book on Arts and Crafts Tile I've seen, and I've got them all. Although dealing with California tile makers only, there's enough material here to fill two books - and in fact, that's what they did! I didn't realize that this is really Vol. I of II, the other covers the rest of the H's down to the Z's. And that's my only gripe - $82 if one buys both, AND now I have to wait 4-5 weeks for the 2nd part. But as a reference to companies and what they made, this book is outstanding. Can hardly wait - Note, the cost of this book has gone up from $41 to the present $59.59 - So, I'd suggest buying the second vol now, before that goes up also. Note II there are two DIFFERENT Books the first covers Tiles from A to half way through the H's, the Second volume covers the rest of the H's down to the Z's. Even though they have different ISBN's Amazon seems to be getting them mixed up, calling the first the "Hardcover" the second book the "updated" book. There are two books, get them both! The 2nd book just as good as the first! 2006 update - these two books remain about the best for CALIFORNIA tiles, but The Encyclopedia of American Art Tiles (by Norman Karlson) Vols. 3 and 4 are just as good. However Norman's books (as great as they are) are a bit pricey - You just want California tiles? Then stick with the California Tile books (one and two) But want to have the best reference for ALL the U.S.? Then go with Karlson, but you will easily spend $200-$240 to get all four vols. If you go with Karlson, then you don't need this California book.

Average customer rating:

Superb reference
Perfect for novice tile collectors and lovers alike!
Not a coffee table book....
Excellent and Beautiful
A feast for the eyes!!!

American Art Tile
Norman Karlson
Manufacturer: Rizzoli International Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Encyclopedia of American Art Tiles: Region 3 Midwestern States
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California Tile: The Golden Era 1910-1940: Acme to Handcraft
The Encyclopedia of American Art Tiles: Region 6 Southern California (Schiffer Book for Collectors)

ASIN: 084782098X
Release Date: 1998-09-15

Amazon.com

For collectors and aficionados of American art tile, this thoroughgoing, historically detailed book of more than 2,000 tiles from 149 potteries, studios, and factories will prove indispensable. And for casual readers who happen on its amazing array of delectable color photographs, it will be a seductive invitation to join the club. Author Norman Karlson was a photographer who shot some hand-painted Florentine tiles for a Ladies' Home Journal article in 1962. After 500 readers asked where to find them, Karlson started a European tile store in the basement of his home, branching into American art tiles in the 1980s. Here he has written brief, fascinating histories of each manufacturer, starting in New England and ending in California, with many down-to-earth details. Discussing Mississippi's Newcomb pottery, at the Southern women's college, Karlson mentions George Ohr, whose turn-of-the-century pots are now highly prized. "It is assumed that Newcomb asked Ohr to leave because his bawdy character was unsuited for the refined young ladies," Karlson notes dryly, next to photos of ceramic brothel tokens with ribald pictograms that Ohr sold as souvenirs at his own studio. Karlson provides pictures of scores of tile-clad surfaces, from cozy Arts and Crafts mantelpieces to the New York subway system. He also includes photos of potteries' identifying marks, biographical sketches of six leaders of the American art-tile movement, a glossary, and a detailed bibliography. --Margaret Moorman

Book Description

From the world's foremost collector, here is the new, fully illustrated standard guide to America's first golden age of tile making. American Art Tile presents more than 2,000 tiles, arranged geographically and chronologically, made by more than 100 American potteries and manufacturers from the Civil War to the 194Os. Full-color photographs illustrate these collectible and rare tiles from all regions of the United States, as well as historic landmark tile installations, from the New York subway to Catalina Island. Tile collectors will appreciate the meticulously researched history of each pottery, biographies of tile makers, and rare examples (seldom seen even in museums) from little-known potteries in Norman Karlson's personal collection.

Customer Reviews:

Superb reference.......2002-03-15

Superb photos and beautifully written and researched text make this a must for any serious collector of American Art Tiles! Karlson pushes the information envelope with regard to many American tile artisans. For example, he includes a photograph of perhaps the only known example of a glazed Matt Morgan art tile. If you are a serious Art Tile collector this book should be in your library!

Perfect for novice tile collectors and lovers alike!.......2001-06-20

This bountiful volume conatains gorgeous photos and detailed information on tile manufacturers from the turn of the century to WWII. Some famous ones, and a lot of obscure ones that I was thrilled to learn about. Besides being pleasing to the eye, it really did broaden my understanding of the different tile manufacturers and the influences that shaped the work and heritage. I rarely spend this much on a book, but I found it to be well worth the money.

Not a coffee table book...........2000-09-01

Well, okay, maybe you would place in on the coffee table if your book shelves aren't high enough, but this is a practical book. "American Art Tile" covers the period from 1876-1941. Why does it stop in 1941? Because sadly, many tile making firms shut down for WWII and never reopened.

The book shows photographs of hundreds of tiles made by more than 100 American firms (probably every one Mr. Karlson could identify). Included are the Dedham Pottery in Dedham Massachusetts with it's famous blue and white scenes of rabbits running around the edge of the tile; the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Doylestown, Pennsylvania with it's fantastic Eastern European images; The Weller Pottery in Zanesville Ohio with it's "Sicardo" works; Rookwood Pottery in Cincinnati, Ohio which produced the matte glazed architectural tile used in the New York Subway system such as Fulton's Steamboat at the Fulton Street Station; and the wonderful Pewabic Pottery in Detroit Michigan from the Chippawa word for copper colored clay.

These tiles are not all individually labled, so if you're trying to identify a particular item, the book will provide only limited information. On the other hand, it will probably help you determine the origin of the manufacturing company, if not the name of the specific design. According to Karlson, many of the companies are out of business, so this may be as good as it gets since catalogues are impossible to obtain.

Mr. Karlson includes many photographs of individual tiles, but few are show 'in situ' so the pages can become overwhelming in their detail. However, the book is probably destined to be something antique tile dealers keep in their reference desk. If you're a serious tile collector or fancier, you will probably find the book worth the cost.

Excellent and Beautiful.......1999-11-11

This is a must for anyone interested in the history of tiles and tile makers.

The book gives a history of every tile making outfit in America from 1876-1941, and shows as many color samples of the tiles they produced as the author seems to have gotten his hands on, many from his own collection. It was sobering to notice, when reading about all the tile companies, how many went under during the depression or just afterwards. This country lost a wonderful heritage, as many never came back after the depression lifted. Too bad, really. There are currently some companies making copies or remakes of some designs (what with the renewed interest in all things Arts and Crafts). Maybe this book and the Neo Arts and Crafts movement will spark some new American tile making shops? I hope so.

The book is beautifully laid out and would be a nice coffee table addition for those who are not tile collectors, but who just enjoy looking at tiles.

A feast for the eyes!!!.......1999-08-03

For the pragmatic who truly needs to see "slide-show" type arrangements of tiles and short descriptions of tile makers and their beginnings...this is for you! Practical and absolutely beautiful.

20th Century Decorative British Tiles: Commercial Manufacturers, J-w

Average customer rating:

20th Century Decorative British Tiles: Commercial Manufacturers, J-w
Chris Blanchett
Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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20th Century Decorative British Tiles: Commercial Manufacturers A-H

ASIN: 0764324675

American Art Pottery: A Collection of Pottery, Tiles, and Memorabilia, 1880-1950 : Identification & Values

Average customer rating:

Beyond the commonplace
Beyond the ordinary
Great book for those who love Art Pottery
Title should be altered to reflect content

American Art Pottery: A Collection of Pottery, Tiles, and Memorabilia, 1880-1950 : Identification & Values
Dick Sigafoose
Manufacturer: Collector Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Kovels' American Art Pottery: The Collector's Guide to Makers, Marks, and Factory Histories

ASIN: 1574320025

Book Description

American Art Pottery, written by long-time collector Richard Sigafoose, is the ideal reference guide for the beginning as well as the advanced pottery collector. The 48 companies featured in this beautiful hardcover book include not only the big names, such as Weller, Roseville, and Rookwood, but also the smaller companies, such as Newcomb, Clewell, Batchelder, and Fulper. From A to Z, it provides company histories and interesting information as well as hundreds of actual pieces illustrating the variety of pottery still obtainable by collectors today. In addition to the more than 500 beautiful color photos, there are hundreds of original ads and postcards from these prolific companies. There is a pricing guide to help collectors appraise their items as well as help them recognize a good bargain when they see it. This long-awaited book will stand as the collector's resource for years to come. We are proud to add this exciting new resource to our line of pottery books. 1998 values. AUTHORBIO: Since childhood, Richard Sigafoose has had an interest in pottery and related memorabilia. He grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, an area where Rookwood Pottery was manufactured and common. This exposure led to a deep appreciation and love for all types of art pottery, to collecting, and finally, to the publication of his book, American Art Pottery. REVIEW: From Alhabrama Tile Company to Weller Pottery, this book features them all - overviews of and examples from numerous American Art Pottery companies that collectors everywhere will enjoy. Original company advertisements accompany the beautiful color photographs. This book is very eye-catching.

Customer Reviews:

Beyond the commonplace.......2001-03-30

This is a highly personal volume, based largely on the author's own collection and interests. But this takes it well beyond the typical collector's book. Sigafoose manages to revive the vanished America of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, putting American art pottery in its social and cultural context. Especially fascinating are the many postcards, factory views, advertisements, and catalogue pages that show how the makers of art pottery presented themselves to the world. "Large gaudy vases and highly colored pictures look cheap and commonplace," advises one such ad. "One small [art pottery] vase, costing perhaps a dollar, will do more to give that touch of elegance and refinement to the the home than any other one thing."

Beyond the ordinary.......2001-03-30

Great book for those who love Art Pottery.......1999-11-01

I know Dick Sigafoose personally, and he knows his Art Pottery. This book is well written and beautifully illustrated, and covers all of the major art pottery studios - from vases to tiles. Every page is filled with good, clear color photos, plus detailed information on the studios that produced these works of art. I highly recommend this book to art pottery collectors - both advanced and beginners.

Title should be altered to reflect content.......1999-06-17

This is a lovely book. Beautiful pictures.The collection concentrates on Art Tiles rather than Art Pottery. Great articles on the companies histories. If you collect Art Pottery Tiles this book is for you!

20th Century Decorative British Tiles: Commercial Manufacturers A-H

Average customer rating:

20th Century Decorative British Tiles: Commercial Manufacturers A-H
Chris Blanchett
Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0764324667

Catalina Island Pottery and Tile Island Tr (Schiffer Book for Collectors)

Average customer rating:

Island born and raised
An Accurate Catalina Pottery History (Way over due)

Catalina Island Pottery and Tile Island Tr (Schiffer Book for Collectors)
Carole Coates
Manufacturer: Schiffer+publishing Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Franciscan, Catalina, and Other Gladding, McBean Wares: Ceramic Table and Art Wares: 1873-1942

ASIN: 0764314017

Book Description

The breathtaking ceramic artwares, tablewares, and tiles produced by the prolific Catalina Clay Products Company of Santa Catalina Island, California, from 1927 to 1936 are presented in over 550 color photographs and an eloquent text. Influenced in part by the Spanish Revival Movement and Depression-era Art Deco motifs, this book displays the artistry imbued in these pieces, ranging from teapots, patio pottery, and souvenirs to pictorial murals, hand painted plates, and tile tables. A history of the company, its wares and artisans, bibliography, and index are also provided. Values are included in the captions.

Customer Reviews:

Island born and raised.......2007-08-05

I was born in Avalon MANY years ago, and raised there for many years; and I have always loved the lore of the island. I have also become a collector of pottery and turned my attention to the wonderful items that came from my hometown. Super book! L.P.

An Accurate Catalina Pottery History (Way over due).......2001-11-24

This is the best guide (there have been few)that has been released to date. The best thing about it are the accurate time frames and the pricing for the individual pieces. Plus the glaze and clay content history are very helpful!!! Get this while you can, because knowing Schiffer books, it will go out of print soon!!

Average customer rating:

Bisazza: Contemporary Mosaics
Elisabeth Vedrenne
Manufacturer: Assouline
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Mixed Media Mosaics: Techniques & Projects Using Polymer Clay Tiles, Beads & Other Embellishments

ASIN: 2843238706

Weller, Roseville, & Related Zanesville Art Pottery & Tiles (Schiffer Book for Collectors)

Average customer rating:

Not A Good Choice, Buy The Bomm Roseville, or Huxford Weller

Weller, Roseville, & Related Zanesville Art Pottery & Tiles (Schiffer Book for Collectors)
Betty Purviance Ward , and Nancy Schiffer
Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0764311492

Book Description

This comprehensive study combines a fantastic historical account with exciting, newly-discovered examples. Art pottery and tiles from the Weller, Roseville, J.B. Owens, and related companies were made variously from 1872 to 1967 in Zanesville, Ohio. The authors studied many private collections to find fresh designs and shapes in this highly popular collecting field. This reference provides in one volume a full account of the companies, shapes, glaze lines, and values on today's market.

Customer Reviews:

Not A Good Choice, Buy The Bomm Roseville, or Huxford Weller.......2001-07-31

The book was well conceived, but poorly executed. The idea of covering all of the Zanesville art pottery makers within one text is definitely a good one, but the success stops with the concept. There are much better choices for each of the individual liines, with the Bomm & Huxford Roseville books much better, and the Huxford Weller more complete in spite of it's perceived 'datedness'. The photography from some dated price guides is used and the color reproduction on these is poor. The few original photographs are well done, but there are very few of these. The Roseville lines are not separated, so using the volume as a reference is impossible. In fact, the Roseville section is nothing more than a reproduction of the old Purviance price guide, and the mis-information in that guide is sometimes reproduced here. The Weller section is done the same way, but at least there are a few new photographs in that section. If this is an example of how future Schiffer books are to be published, then they just lost a long time good customer. Surely they could have done better with a subject matter so wide and complete. Your money is better spent elsewhere. JK

Henry Chapman Mercer and the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works

Average customer rating:

Excellent Historical Reference

Henry Chapman Mercer and the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works
Cleota Reed
Manufacturer: University of Pennsylvania Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Sculpture | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Pottery & Ceramics | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0812280768

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Historical Reference.......2000-06-17

This book is an excellent historical reference on Henry Chapman Mercer and the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works. Many fine photos accompany very informative writing.

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