Oaxaca Pottery Market Courtyard

The courtyard is filled with tables of pottery, from large black clay vessels at the front to smaller terracotta bowls under the arcades. Woven baskets hold marigolds and plants, while folded textiles add stripes of blue, red and cream along the right side. Pale stone columns lead the eye through the shaded market.

The darker pottery is full of small highlights and cutout patterns, so it rewards slow sorting. Baskets bring a rough, warm texture, and the cobbles make a useful path through the center. Work from the strong column shapes and bright flowers first, then pick out the little bowls, handles and cloth edges tucked between the larger pieces.