San Juan del Oriente is the cradle of Nicaragua ceramic artisan work. This village has been a pottery center since pre-Columbian times. Today it is home to a large pottery cooperative and many families run workshops.

Located en route from Masaya to Nandaime, San Juan del Oriente is the hidden gem of Nicaragua's artisan world. While traveling through the region one can stop and visit with local pottery makers as they mold and paint clay into beautifully skilled works of art. The people are friendly and enthusiastic as they walk you around their homes, which double as their storefronts, to show you their custom designs that are creative descendents of the historic traditions stemming from centuries ago.

The potters of San Juan de Oriente still use local materials, including the tague, or colored earth, from the shores of the nearby Apoyo Lake. Over the last two decades, however, they have expanded their repertory of techniques and range of materials, thanks to the workshop school established here with government support and frequent visits by master ceramists from Europe and other Latin American countries.

By purchasing these custom made pottery items, you now have the ability to help the artisans of this region continue to create high quality pieces while also assisting us with our program that will give back to this community to help assure the increase of educational opportunities for the children and families in general.

Click on images for information on the pottery makers. To the left is Miguel Espinosa whose brother owns La Tienda de Alfredo Espinosa. On the right is Angel Salazar who also works at La Tienda de Alfredo Espinosa.