Arts & Crafts - Handicrafts in Granada


Granada expresses its craftsmanship in what today remains of the Christian assimilation of Nasrid art. Marquetry is probably the craft that is most identified with it. We must also add the incrustation of different materials from bone to mother of pearl, from amber to ivory. Some parts of production have been modernised to streamline auxiliary steps such as cutting and sandpapering, but the most of the processes are still done by hand. Boxes, decorated cabinets, frames, chairs, tables, chess sets, chests trays, etc. are made.

Capileira is known for its cabinet making in the Mudejar style and in Bara for its Renaissance fashion. Granada still has many turners, now the most versatile trades owing to its production. The art of gliding is intimately connected with Granadan furniture particularly cornucopias, frames and consoles. The turner is frequently also a carver. The largest number of tapestry workshops devoted to restoration and repair work is in Granada. Guitars are also widely made in Granada who are well known for the quality of their instruments.

Pottery producers in Granada still use the traditional models and manufacturing systems, some still only use kilns built in the last century. In Guadix potters wheels can be found sunk in the ground. Here they make the ornamental Accitan jar (Acci the Roman name for Guadix). Modern pottery has inherited the techniques and decorations of Nasrid times, such as the Andalusi metallic lustre type, "cuerda seca" (painting in manganese mixed with a greasy medium and most typical of Granada or Fajalauza, where greens and blues are mostly used). In El Albaicin, Purullena and Las Alpujarras is where the tiles, ewers, plates, jugs are traditionally made.

In Guadix there are many small workshops with a long history of making rush bottomed chairs in the traditional style, whilst Lanjaron produces all kinds of wicker baskets.