Where can I get clay dishes at a reasonable price?

The ones made by the indigenous that usually have little flowers painted around them. The bowls are great for hot foods (they aren't hot to hold...for little hands). I was told that they are cheap??? Anyone know where I can get them and a price range?

On the main street in Tonala, I think on the corner of Zaragosa, there is a store that sell's nothing but the dishes and bowls you are looking for.

Thanks!

Also at the Monday market in Chapala.

Watch out for stuff painted with leaded paints.

SusieSunshine:

Seems that I remember from some of your previous posts that you have children. I am thinking that you are referring to the red/brown style dishes that Michoacán is well known for? You should probably be aware that most of this style of pottery IS NOT lead free. Depending on your planned usage you may want to consider this fact with young children? Most of the decorating glazes used in that style do contain lead!

Send her a PM Neil...that information is TOO important to possibly be missed...and she's not a regular visitor here.

ferret:

Just to let you know, I did as you suggested but so far she hasn't read the PM!

Well, you did the right thing...and that's all you can do.

I got it! I'm glad I did, too. My new rental only has those dishes! I do have kids! I'm going out tomorrow for new dishes. I had no idea...we have been using those dishes for over a month now. We have also been fairly sick most of that time. :(
THANK YOU!!!

Does it all have lead? If I ask, will they tell me? I'm planning on going to Tonala soon.

SusieSunshine:

Unlike the US, Mexico has little or no rules or regs regarding lead content in tableware. While most of us are beyond the age when it would be a big consideration, since you have younger household members it should probably be a consideration! David posted a suggestion that a certain shop in Chapala had tableware that was lead free in a "tableware topic" and you may wish to read up on that suggestion. While we have probably spent 100+ days shopping in Tonala and really like the variety of product available, I am not sure that we have found any one shop where I would believe them if they assured us that a product was lead free. On the other hand, there are a few shops in Tlaquepaque where I would trust such an assurance.

Thanks! I will just do without. I got new dishes today...glass. I put all the others up and told the girls not to use them.

I truly appreciate the heads up. My daughter is incredibly chemically sensitive. My daughter and I have been having headaches ever since we got here, too. I would have never thought about the glaze in the dishes because they are used in the restaurants.