Captivating ceramics for the dining room - watermelon bowl - Bordallo Pinheiro

       The Bordallo Pinheiro company, originally established as the Fábrica de Faianças das Caldas, was founded on June 30, 1884. Raphael Bordallo Pinheiro was responsible for the technical and artistic aspects, while his brother Feliciano Bordallo Pinheiro handled the factory's organizational matters.

       Raphael Bordallo Pinheiro is one of the most influential figures of nineteenth-century Portuguese culture, renowned for his extraordinary creativity, especially in humorous drawing, caricature, and ceramics. His work depicts a troubling, always relevant reality and serves as a fundamental document for political, social, cultural, and ideological studies of the period. Raphael Bordallo Pinheiro will always be closely associated with caricature and artistic ceramics, showcasing quality and very important works never before seen, which, in the opinion of renowned contemporary artists, are the work of a genius.

       From a young age, he was interested in art, even attending the Belas Artes school. As an avid theatergoer, he began publishing humorous newspapers, some of which achieved great success. These newspapers have become valuable documents for their artistic quality and interpretations of contemporary political and social events, exemplified by publications such as “Antonio Maria,” “Pontos nos ii,” and “A Paródia.” Rafael also pursued a unique architectural design for the facilities, which included an area for a ceramic school where several related courses were taught. The factory and trading warehouse were surrounded by a park with trees, two springs, two clay pits, and decorated with ceramics by Raphael Bordallo Pinheiro.

       Hundreds of ceramic models of unmatched creativity, based on local traditions—particularly Caldense ceramics—taking fauna and flora as decorative inspiration, were created at Raphael Bordallo Pinheiro's factory. His ceramic production became renowned, especially for its artistic quality, both nationally and internationally. Bordallo boldly and critically modeled figures based on Portuguese everyday life, and in his tiles, he created patterns influenced by a wide range of styles, including Renaissance, Naturalism, Art Nouveau, as well as Spanish and Arab heritage.

       With the help of his workers, Raphael Bordallo Pinheiro crafted bold works, both in size and in delicate detail. The “Jarra Beethoven,” exceeding 2.60 meters in height, is a symbol of the artist's enthusiasm and talent and is exhibited at the Museu das Belas Artes in Rio de Janeiro. The twenty-one years of production by Raphael Bordallo Pinheiro (1884–1905) have left a lasting mark on the history of Caldas ceramics. This was achieved not only through the vibrancy and extraordinary creativity of his ceramics but also through a high technical standard, especially in modeling and glazing.

       Manuel Gustavo Bordallo Pinheiro’s lifelong mission was to preserve the memory of his father, Raphael Bordallo Pinheiro. Continuing his father’s work maintained this ceramic tradition. After Manuel Gustavo’s death in 1920, a group of prominent Caldas residents, along with workers, continued the company’s operations. Following a serious crisis in 2008, the company was acquired by Grupo Visabeira, ensuring continuity in production and heritage. Embracing a modern and entrepreneurial approach, Bordallo Pinheiro plays a vital role in revitalizing Portuguese ceramics and the artistic heritage of its factory, Fábrica de Faianças Artísticas, Raphael Bordallo Pinheiro, both nationally and internationally.

       Bordallo Pinheiro remains faithful to tradition by employing ancient manufacturing techniques and naturalistic motifs that underpin the brand’s magnificent design. At the same time, it gives its lines a contemporary dimension through impeccable craftsmanship and ongoing discovery, both aesthetically and technically.

Functional and decorative elements of the brand continue to inspire our collective imagination and elevate the prestige of Portuguese culture and industry to new heights.