It's coming upon four months since we returned from our precious 3 weeks in central Chile. Every day I see or hear or smell something that reminds me of our special time in the Thin Country. I've been devouring books on the tortured political history of Chile's last 30+ years, and travel stories of the experiences of people who have journeyed there.
Today I prepared my big green salad for lunch in a large, sturdy earthenware soup bowl purchased from the potter himself at this shop in the tiny dusty town of Pomaire, Chile. This was our first stop after our initial 2 days of socializing and de-jet-lagging in Santiago. 
Although we didn't know it at the time, this pueblito is famous for its solid, undecorated cookware. Since our trip I have seen Pomaire ware in catalogues such as Sur La Table and Crow's Nest. The large simple pottery bowls for which we paid $1.50 each are far more expensive here. I wanted to buy at least one of everything in this store, and I could have afforded it. But how to get it back to the U.S.? Our Chilean host purchased a baking dish so huge and heavy I was afraid to lift it - for a grand total of about $8. In the U.S. a baking dish one-quarter of its size is $40. At this shop I bought this 2-holed water/wine jug for $2 (and purchased solely because I love it's shape and smooth luster); 
the 2 large soup bowls, and 2 lovely little serving platters with 3-tiny-dishes-with-spoons fresh salsa holder (below), all for less than $15.
To see a lot more styles of Pomaire ware, click here.
I love pottery, and have collected it from every state I've visited, and have hand-carried large bags full of this pottery home from Chile, and another full of colorful hand-painted pottery from Spain. Both arrived safely and fully intact, and now adorn the many other pieces in my overly full house. 
Not counting the half dozen coffee table books and 3 small tapestries, this photo shows most of the things we brought home from Chile, including an antique wooden stirrup in the upper right corner, in memory of the week we spent on our friends' farm.
I love this town, visited many times when I was in Chile, the food is also excellent! Good memories.
Posted by: Carlos | September 13, 2010 at 11:38 AM
Oooh, I always love to see all the "stuff" that people bring back from their visits. Particularly pottery, for which I, too have a great fondness.
Beautiful surfaces everywhwre, Paula. thank you for showing them.
Posted by: Roz Cawley | March 08, 2005 at 10:23 AM
Oh Paula, this does bring back memories. Let's run away from home and go back to Pomaire next week.
Posted by: Debby T | March 08, 2005 at 07:04 AM
Like you, I LOVE pottery, so really enjoyed this entry (and photos - as always). I believe there is a locally-made Cotswold pottery (made from the area stone) and sold in shops in Chipping Camden. I'll be checking this out at month's end and certain to bring something home.
Posted by: Pattie | March 07, 2005 at 10:30 PM