Don Pedro, Michoacan

Folk art reflects the mind and heart of culture. It’s a precious heritage we must preserve, a generational expression of history and communities through ancestral techniques. 

Last year, while on a trip to CDMX to source art for River Lodge, I discovered the ceramic work of Don Pedro from San Jose de Gracia, Michoacan. His intricate candelabras and giant pineapple sculptures were a funky fusion of folk art and modern artistry. We commissioned the creation of a giant pineapple, a sign of hospitality and friendship, as well as a series of candelabras in a modern blush tone, to naturally illuminate the lobby.  

In San José de Gracia, a town rich in clay, the tradition of decorative ceramics is characterized by vibrant glazes, intricate carvings, and a technique known as ‘pastillaje’.  Among the many master artisans of the region, Don Pedro has emerged with a unique interpretation of traditional craft.  

His process begins with clay excavated from the local mountains. The clay is cleaned, passed through a sieve, then kneaded to remove impurities. Each piece is molded by hand, then shaped and detailed in the pastillaje process; thin strips of clay pinched between the fingertips to create ornamental petals, scales, and spines. The small, pinched pieces are added when the clay is still wet and become integrated once the object is fired. The piece is then air-dried before being fired in a kiln at high temperatures to harden the clay. Traditional mineral-based glazes and hand-painted details bring the ceramic to life, adding color and vibrancy. A second firing locks in the designs, making the piece durable and long-lasting.

In an era of mass production, Don Pedro’s ceramics stand as a reminder of the beauty of handcrafted art.