Teodora Blanco (1928-1980) was one of the top figural ceramists in Mexico and pioneered a type of decoration called "pastillaje" which became her trademark. "Pastillaje" is a form of clay applique surface decoration added to a basic form which resembles embroidery that was seen by Teodora in the nearby villages. This embroidered clay technique has been adapted by many of the potters in the village of Atzompa. Teodora was best known for her imaginative large hollow women or "muñecas" which were based on the large water coolers called "tinajeras" made on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. Many of these muñecas were decorated with the embroidered clay designs plus "naguales" teeming over all of the doll. She also made charming nativities, musicians, animals and other antropomorphic figures all embossed with flowers, leaves, vines and animals. Her main inspiration came from the folklore of the indigenous cultures of Oaxaca.
