Colbo: The Mendoza tableware that shines at MoMA

When art, design, and Mendoza’s natural landscape came together in the 1950s, Colbo was born: a line of ceramic tableware that embodies the spirit of the mountains, design, and contemporary style. Colette Boccara, the visionary architect and ceramicist, founded this brand, never imagining that decades later, her creation would continue to thrive, crossing borders to become a Latin American design icon.

How Was Colbo Born?

Colbo emerged from a “creative accident” that resulted in an iconic design. In an attempt to create round plates, pieces made from red stoneware—clay sourced from the Mendoza mountains—deformed when fired at high temperatures. Inspired by the beauty of imperfection, Colette embraced the unique triangular shape that today identifies each piece of the brand.

"Colbo emerged from a 'creative accident' that resulted in an iconic design"

Colbo, Design Tableware Made in Mendoza

Today, Colbo tableware lives on thanks to the efforts of Matías Janello, the ceramist's son, and designer Martín Endrizzi, who revitalized the brand in the 2000s. By merging traditional techniques with modern technology, this duo took Colbo’s creations to a new, gourmet level, with pieces that are more practical, durable, stackable, and suitable for everyday use and modern appliances.

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With vibrant glazing on the inside and natural red stoneware on the outside, each design is a work of handcrafted art that adorns tables and finds its way into prestigious settings, such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

The workshop for this tableware line with a strong Mendoza identity is located just minutes from Mendoza’s airport. Here, more than 3,000 pieces are produced each month using red clay sourced from Cacheuta - Luján de Cuyo - and the southern department of San Rafael. Colbo’s dedication to environmental stewardship is part of its DNA, with nearly 100% of its raw material being reused to minimize waste.

"Environmental stewardship is part of Colbo’s DNA, with nearly 100% of raw material being reused to minimize waste"

Where to Find Colbo Ceramic Tableware

Each Colbo plate, bowl, dip dish, tray, and salad bowl is hand-molded, polished, and glazed, proudly bearing the artisan seal of Mendoza. The plain pieces are presented natural—unglazed—with colored interiors. There are also items decorated with a grey brushstroke glaze, part of the special edition called Trazo.

The brand’s latest goal is to launch a line of round pieces, adding glasses, mugs, and other items to the collection. These new pieces will complement the existing designs and will be intended primarily—but not exclusively—for gastronomy.

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Colbo is currently featured in well-known Mendoza restaurants such as Ruda, Fogón and Zonda at Bodega Lagarde, Casa de Uco, and Alfa Crux Wines, among others. In Buenos Aires, Colbo can be found at locations like 1000 Rosa Negra (San Isidro), Unido (Nordelta), La Mar Cebichería (Palermo), and Colette del Café at the National Museum of Fine Arts.

For those looking to gift a piece of Mendoza’s essence or bring it home, Colbo pieces are an excellent choice, as their versatility allows them to mix and match, enabling everyone to create their own unique set.

Where to Buy Colbo Tableware

This year, Colbo opened a retail shop at its manufacturing plant, where visitors can buy their tableware and, by appointment, enjoy a free tour of the facility to see the production process in real time. Colbo tableware is also available through their online store or at the MALBA Museum store and at Espacio Pirámide in Buenos Aires.

Mendoza Tableware at MoMA

With great pride, Colbo has brought Mendoza and Argentine design to the world’s most prestigious venues. The original line of tableware created by Colette Boccara is part of the “Crafting Modernity: Design in Latin America, 1940–1980” exhibition, currently on display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York (MoMA) until November 10.

This is the first exhibit dedicated exclusively to modern Latin American design, featuring works from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela, celebrating design innovation.

This international initiative has carried Colbo and Mendoza design to countries never previously imagined. As mentioned, Colbo tableware is available in MoMA’s design store, as well as in the museum’s store in Japan.

"Colbo tableware is available at MoMA’s design store"

Each piece of Colbo brings more than just tableware to the table; it brings a story, a touch of the mountains, and the mark of a craft tradition that continues to evolve without losing its essence. Each handcrafted creation is an invitation to savor Mendoza’s artistry with every meal.

Where: Colbo Gres Rojo, at Pedro Pascual Segura 2640, Las Heras, Mendoza. WhatsApp to arrange visits: +54 9 261 3447750