Welcome to our exploration of Craftsmanship in Granada. This city, set against the backdrop of the majestic Sierra Nevada, is a haven for traditional arts and crafts. Granada's rich history, from its Moorish roots to its vibrant modern culture, is reflected in its diverse craft traditions. The city is renowned for its intricate woodwork, delicate ceramics, and stunning textiles. Each piece tells a story of Granada's past and present, crafted with passion and precision by local artisans.
Granada showcases its craftsmanship in the remnants of the Christian assimilation of Nasrid art. Marquetry is probably the craft most identified with it. Alongside marquetry techniques, we must also mention the art of incrustation of different materials, from bone to mother-of-pearl, from amber to ivory. Production has been mechanised to streamline auxiliary steps, such as cutting and sandpapering, but the remaining processes are still done by hand. A variety of articles are made, including boxes, decorated cabinets, frames, chairs, tables, chess sets, chests, and trays.
The city of Granada is renowned for its rich tradition of cabinetmaking and turning. The town of Capileira, in particular, is known for its cabinetmaking in the Mudéjar style, a testament to the region's historical influences. On the other hand, Baza is noted for its preference for the Renaissance fashion, reflecting a different facet of Granada's diverse artisanal heritage.
Granada is also home to a large number of skilled turners, making it one of the most significant centres for this versatile trade. These artisans are often also skilled carvers, adding another dimension to their craft. The art of gilding is another integral aspect of Granadan furniture making, with items such as cornucopias, frames, and consoles often featuring this intricate work.
Furthermore, Granada boasts a large number of tapestry workshops. These workshops are dedicated to the restoration and repair of these intricate works of art, preserving Granada's rich tapestry tradition for future generations.
In Granada, the art of pottery is a blend of tradition and innovation. Potters, often working without the use of modern machinery, utilise kilns that were built in the last century. In Guadix, potters' wheels are found sunk in the ground, a testament to the enduring nature of these traditional techniques. Here, they create the Accitan (Acci, Roman name for Guadix) jar, a sort of filigree in clay, full of ornamental details.
The pottery produced today has inherited the techniques, models, and decoration of Nasrid times. This includes varieties such as the Andalusí, known for its metallic lustre, and "cuerda seca" (a technique involving painting in manganese mixed with a greasy medium), which is most typical of Granada or of Fajalauza. The latter is known for its use of greens and blues, the most representative colours, used in stylised drawings of pomegranates, as well as birds and flowers.
Tiles, ewers, plates, jugs, etc. are traditional objects that have been recovered by the craftsmen of El Albaicín, Purullena, and Las Alpujarras. These items, while functional, are also works of art that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Granada.
We mustn't forget the significance of vegetable fibres in Granada's rich tapestry of crafts. Guadix, in particular, stands out with its small workshops that have a long history of making rush-bottomed chairs in traditional styles. These chairs, crafted from locally sourced vegetable fibres, are a testament to the skill and creativity of the local artisans.
However, it's becoming increasingly difficult to find these traditional vegetable fibre workshops, but they can still be found if one knows where to look.
Similarly, Lanjarón is known for producing all kinds of wicker baskets. These baskets, handwoven from flexible vegetable fibres, are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Whether used for storage or as decorative pieces, these wicker baskets are a reflection of Lanjarón's rich craft tradition.
Granada is also widely known as a main concentration of guitar makers. The city's luthiers, or guitar makers, are renowned for the quality of their instruments. Each guitar is handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, from the selection of the wood to the final tuning. The result is a musical instrument that is not only beautiful to look at, but also produces a sound that is rich and resonant. Whether you're a professional musician or a casual listener, the guitars of Granada are sure to impress.
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