Casa del Quetzal is a showcase arts and artifacts, with hand selected artisan crafts, ceramics, tiles, woven textiles and custom made furniture created by artists and artisans from all over Mexico – Puebla, Michoacán, Tomatlán, Jalisco, Chiapas and the Yucatán Peninsula.
Each piece enhances the ambiance of Casa del Quetzal, delighting guests with Mexican culture and tradition, whimsy and mysticism.
Santa Rosa de Lima – Our stone carving of Santa Rosa – which was sculpted in the early 1700s for a Querétaro church – greets guests from her regal position in the open-air courtyard of Casa del Quetzal.
Known as the patroness of Latin America, Santa Rosa hailed from Peru. As she grew, so did her beauty. One day, her mother laid a floral wreath atop her head. It had been intended to impress friends, but Rosa paid no mind. She had given her heart to Jesus. Through the wreath, she struck her head with a pin so long that it pierced her deeply.
Despite temptations, loneliness and sadness, Rosa prayed: “Lord, increase my sufferings, and with them increase your love in my heart.” She was blessed in 1667 by Clement IX and was the first American to be canonized in 1671. Santa Rosa de Lima is often pictured with a crown of roses and the feast that honors her name is celebrated every August 23.
Pre-Colombian Pottery – One of the most treasured artifacts in Casa del Quetzal is the Pre-Columbian pottery collection from the state of Jalisco. Presented in a carefully lit, glass display case, these handcrafted, museum quality pieces are reminiscent of a time not long forgotten.
Iron Work – Casa del Quetzal not only features individual pieces but those that are fixed into the architecture. Custom designed and handcrafted wrought iron designs feature the whimsy of Mexico’s flora and fauna, including the Quetzals, the royal birds from which the villa was named.
Capellini Style Mosaic – As the newest acquisition in Casa del Quetzal’s collection, the Capellini Style Mosaic highlights the mastery of tile makers from the state of Guanajuato, the same location in which Father Miguel Hidalgo uttered his famous cry for Mexican independence in 1810. The depiction of the angel and his cello was inspired by the ornamentation of Guanajuato plaques. The commissioned piece was then set in a carved stone frame by Puerto Vallarta artisans.
Woven Textiles – Mexico is world-renowned for its brightly colored, hand-woven textiles. Flora and fauna are often depicted, symbolizing the abundance and beauty of nature. Casa del Quetzal honors the nation’s weaving traditions with selected wall hangings and décor.
Artisan Pottery – Casa del Quetzal is filled with intricately designed pottery from Guanajuato to Michoacán. Select ceramic pieces have been created by Gorky Gonzalez, the founder and artistic director of Alfareria Tradicional. Joining Gonzalez’s traditional Majolica-style pieces are the works of Juan Morales depicts much of the tradition of the people and the artistry of the area around Lake Patzcuaro in Michoacan.
