Bordallo Pinheiro

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Bordallo Pinheiro is a globally recognised icon of Portuguese ceramics, crafting unique whimsical homeware and home accessory pieces of exceptional quality since 1884.

Born from its founder’s passion for the art of Portuguese ceramics, the brand seamlessly blends tradition with contemporary design. Using centuries-old techniques, each piece is brought to life by the skilled hands of artisans, blending exceptional craftsmanship with unique nature inspired designs.

From the iconic Vegetables and Tropical Fruits collections to the intricate Swallow and Fish & Shellfish designs, Bordallo Pinheiro’s creations—including tableware, decorative homeware, home accessories and creative gifts for the home —are celebrated for their artistic originality, vibrant colours, and imaginative spirit. These are pieces with true soul and personality.


51 products

THE JOURNEY OF EVERY BORDALLO PINHEIRO PIECE

MODELLING

Where imagination takes form. Every Bordallo Pinheiro piece begins with a mould. Here, the artisan’s hands and the sculptor’s vision unite to define the essence of the object. Each mould embodies a harmony of nature and art, capturing not just the shape but the soul of its subject — whether it’s a leaf, a cabbage, or a fantastical creature born from Portuguese imagination.

CASTING

The moment clay becomes creation. Liquid clay, known as slip, is carefully poured into the mould, filling every crevice and curve. As it settles, time and gravity work in unison to give substance to the design. When released, the form emerges delicate and new — soft and vulnerable, yet already echoing the artistry that defines Bordallo Pinheiro’s iconic identity.

THE JOURNEY OF EVERY BORDALLO PINHEIRO PIECE

MODELLING

Where imagination takes form. Every Bordallo Pinheiro piece begins with a mould. Here, the artisan’s hands and the sculptor’s vision unite to define the essence of the object. Each mould embodies a harmony of nature and art, capturing not just the shape but the soul of its subject — whether it’s a leaf, a cabbage, or a fantastical creature born from Portuguese imagination.

CASTING

The moment clay becomes creation. Liquid clay, known as slip, is carefully poured into the mould, filling every crevice and curve. As it settles, time and gravity work in unison to give substance to the design. When released, the form emerges delicate and new — soft and vulnerable, yet already echoing the artistry that defines Bordallo Pinheiro’s iconic identity.

ORNAMENTATION

Detail transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. At this stage, artisans refine the freshly cast piece with intricate details — sculpting textures, veins, feathers, or tiny ridges by hand. Each touch adds individuality, ensuring no two creations are ever the same. It is here that Bordallo Pinheiro’s signature whimsy and naturalism come to life, celebrating the beauty of imperfection and the artistry of human hands.

ORNAMENTATION

Detail transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. At this stage, artisans refine the freshly cast piece with intricate details — sculpting textures, veins, feathers, or tiny ridges by hand. Each touch adds individuality, ensuring no two creations are ever the same. It is here that Bordallo Pinheiro’s signature whimsy and naturalism come to life, celebrating the beauty of imperfection and the artistry of human hands.

HAND-PAINTING

Where colour becomes expression, and personality takes shape. With steady hands and practised precision, artisans paint each piece using vibrant glazes and pigments. Every brushstroke is deliberate — a dialogue between tradition and imagination. Shades of green, blue, and ochre are layered with care, creating depth and vitality. This hand-painted artistry ensures that each creation carries the unmistakable character of the craftsman behind it.

GLAZING

A luminous finish that preserves and perfects. After painting, each piece is coated with a transparent glaze — a liquid glass that combines beauty with durability. This final layer enhances the colours, giving them brilliance and depth, while also protecting the surface. Under the artisan’s careful hand, the glaze becomes the final touch of magic, elevating clay into enduring art.

FIRING

Where earth meets fire, and art becomes eternal. The kiln is the heart of transformation. Within its intense heat, pigments mature, glazes fuse, and clay hardens into its final form. What emerges is both fragile and timeless — a testament to patience, skill, and nature’s alchemy. From fire comes a piece of living heritage—bold, beautiful, and unmistakably Bordallo Pinheiro.