Esta página foi criada tendo como objectivo a divulgação da cerâmica tradicional de Coimbra, assim como, dar a conhecer ao cidadão comum, os métodos de produção da mesma através de, visitas guiadas à fábrica e workshops de pintura de peças. A short History of Coimbra Pottery
One of the most emblematic symbols of Coimbra is its Pottery. Its refined beauty and historical background make it special
and impossible to confuse with any other faience.
15th century faience
Due to the variety and range of motifs, the 15th century faience uses main themes that attract great interest among us. The 15th century uses polychromatic scenes full of geometric forms and its main figures are the cock, the fish, fish scales and the peacock. These influences came from the Oriental and Arabic traditions.
17th century faience
The 17th century faience is closely related to the Discoveries. It was only after Vasco da Gama returned from India that the Chinese porcelain became known in Portugal. He also brought some Chinese pieces whith him to the king D. Manuel I, who was immediately fascinated by them. At that time, the Portuguese controlled all the goods that went through the Indian Ocean, which is why the first to reproduce thi art, which was as beautiful as it was expansive. The Portuguese faience was mostly influence by the Chinese porcelains that had been made during the Wan-Li dynasty (1573-1619). Although the artistic essence was kept, the true sense almost disappeared because the Portuguese potters couldn't understand the Chinese drawings and characters. Therefore, as time went by, the Chinese influence almost disappeared and the Portuguese culture became more prominent. The 17th century Coimbra pottery started to portray pure and faithful reproductions of Portuguese hunting scenes, where feathers as well as wild animals such as boars, deer, rabbits and dogs can be seen. Manufacturing:
Coimbra pottery is still produced according to traditional production processes. Each piece is completely handmade and goes through several steps. Firstly, in order to obtain the raw pottery, a mixture of several materials such as clay, kaolin, talcum and water is made and it is a first fired to 1040º-1150ºC. After this, the pieces are painted. This painting process involves traditional knowledge and secrets. The decorations is done entirely by hand, then signed and dated by the artisan, thus making each piece exclusive and unique. The final process involves dipping the pieces in glaze, which after a second firing to 1130º gives the pieces a typically milky tone. This last firing also makes the pieces durable so that they can be used in ovens and microwaves. http://cermicaregional.pt.vu/
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