Much more than a simple ceramic collection, “The Meaning” is a journey to a magical world where nature unfolds in stunning shapes and colors. A true treasure for those who appreciate beauty, art, and culture.
In an unprecedented partnership between Vista Alegre and Bordallo Pinheiro, the blend of techniques and materials from each brings to life a collection where imagination is served at the table and makes its presence felt in every detail. Thus, in a single piece, one can admire the lightness of porcelain, enriched with the boldness of faience and the translucency of crystal. A perfect union!
In the new collection called “The Meaning,” a secret garden emerges, featuring mazes, clearings, fountains, and trees, adorned with elegant flowers and plants, surrounded by delicate birds and insects. This is a place of pleasure and contemplation, full of symbolism and elements that continually reveal themselves in new ways, allowing for fresh interpretations. Through a concept that harmonizes perfectly, this dreamlike journey traverses a variety of pieces made of porcelain, crystal, and faience, enriching the distinctive imaginary world of “The Meaning.”
Through this concept, the collection presents pieces in porcelain, crystal, and faience that harmoniously feature elements suggesting alternative interpretations. In this way, you can find the characteristic naturalism of Bordallo Pinheiro, with its “mysterious aura” represented by fungi, lichens, insects, and moss, combined with the excellence and elegance of Vista Alegre. This partnership presents a whole series of unique pieces inspired by naturalism, classical and geometric gardens, as well as decorative and architectural elements found in them.
For example, the “Mesa” line is inspired by geometrically organized mazes typical of French gardens. Meanwhile, the “Winter Garden” set, based on neoclassical architectural elements, demonstrates the balance between traditional distinction and contemporary simplicity, with its vertical matte cut suggesting pleats and drapery “secured” by a golden thread. On the other hand, the “Still Life” pitcher and box, featuring a porcelain flower bouquet, are inspired by 17th-century still lifes and the Empire vases found in gardens. In these two pieces, the snail and butterfly symbolize home and metamorphosis, respectively.
Like a metaphor created through the transposition of water mirrors found in grand palace gardens, the “Miroir D’Eau” wall mirror emerges. “The Meaning” collection also includes other lines, where we highlight distinctly Bordallo Pinheiro pieces, such as bees landing on a jar, a lion’s face emerging from the vegetation, a daring dragonfly exploring the garden, a flower bouquet surprising by revealing a tureen, and ivy growing in a centerpiece. These pieces, rooted in naturalistic origins, in faience molded with Bordallo Pinheiro’s irreverence but with a unique glaze, join this collection as landmarks that bridge the interior and exterior, a symbiosis that is evident throughout the collection.
Each piece in “The Meaning” collection is a work of art in itself, designed to stimulate the senses. The textures, colors, and shapes create a sensory experience that invites contemplation and appreciation. Furthermore, the practical utility of the pieces makes this collection even more special, as they are not only decorative objects but also functional in our daily lives.
These are pieces that combine the craftsmanship and expertise of Vista Alegre with the originality and irreverence of Bordallo Pinheiro, not forgetting the finishing touch of superior crystal. A unique collaboration that represents a celebration of the rich heritage of Portuguese ceramics. Two brands that are ambassadors of Portuguese craftsmanship and creativity, and the “The Meaning” collection honors this tradition in an innovative way.