Lynn Osborne, 2002

The import and export of both pots and potters to and from the Iberian peninsula helped to shape this art form. In the 10th century, Muslim potters introduced mayólica production to Spain. For the next 500 years, mayólica made in Spain was based primarily on Islamic design. Following the completion of the reconquest of Spain by the Christians in 1492 and the subsequent expulsion of the Muslims which culminated in 1609, artistic influences from other areas began to take hold. Italian, Chinese, and French ceramics proved to have the greatest impact on the Spanish potter’s art. Spain, in turn, introduced mayólica to its American colonies soon after Columbus’s arrival in 1492. In colonial New Spain, potters combined Spanish, Chinese and indigenous motifs to create a thoroughly Mexican style.