A store with history
Conimbriga ceramics: heritage, styles, and contemporary uses
Conimbriga ceramics are part of a lineage that stretches from ancient pottery to Portuguese faience, with very distinctive visual characteristics: palettes of blues, greens, and yellows, small designs, and hand-painted decoration. This guide summarizes the evolution of these pieces, identifies common features, and suggests ways to use them in the home.
Roots and influences
Over the centuries, Portuguese faience has incorporated Mediterranean and Eastern influences, while establishing a distinctive local character associated with Coimbra and the surrounding region.
Stylistic traits
Colors: blue, pea green, and light yellow in harmonious combinations;
Motifs: fauna/flora, landscapes, geometric elements, and small designs;
Execution: hand-painted on glaze, resulting in unique variations.
How to decorate
Everyday tables: salad bowls and plates with traditional motifs combined with plain textiles;
Walls/shelves: decorative platters as a focal point;
Mix with embroidery: combine with embroidery from Madeira or Viana for a 100% Portuguese atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Faience is a type of pottery with a porous body and tin glaze; in Conimbriga/Coimbra, hand painting is particularly noteworthy.
It depends on the item; please refer to the manufacturer’s/artisan’s instructions.
No, they result from manual execution and confer authenticity.
Decorative serving dishes and salad bowls are safe bets.
