This embroidery handmade using Arraiolos stitch tells the story of Actaeon, a skilful but cheeky hunter, caught one day in the valley of Gargáfia watching the Goddess Diana bathe in the river. Outraged, she turns him into a stag to be devoured by his dogs. Framed to adorn a wall.
Length 54 cm
Width 54 cm
Height 2 cm
© Eduardo Ferrão
© Eduardo Ferrão
© Eduardo Ferrão
© Eduardo Ferrão
© Antonio Adauta
António Adauta
- Embroiderer
- Viseu, Portugal
- Master Artisan
Contact
Portuguese, English, French
Hours:
By appointment only
By appointment only
Phone:
+351 232425523
+351 232425523
© Antonio Adauta
Mythical stitches
- • António is a self-taught Arraiolos embroiderer
- • He interprets ancient mosaics using the Arraiolos stitch
- • His embroidered works tell stories of Roman mythology
António Adauta taught himself Arraiolos (long-legged cross stitching) embroidery, choosing this creative path over a career in electrical engineering. The traditional technique, which dates back to the 15th century and takes its name from the southern Portuguese town of Arraiolos, uses wool thread on burlap. Living in the north of the country, António felt free to break away from traditional Arraiolos patterns to create embroidery pieces that tell mythological stories inspired by the Roman mosaics of Conímbriga. The master patterns are duly protected and registered by the Portuguese Department of General Inspection of Cultural Activities. True Arraiolos embroidery has a label, on which the work’s name and the author are identified, followed by an axe seal symbolising the authenticity of the craft. In 2022, António was Gold Winner in the Art and Luxury Design Built category at The Architecture & Design Collection Awards, and in 2023 his project Conimbriga Mosaics Framed Embroidery was Bronze Winner at the A' Design Awards 2022-23.
Read the full interviewWorks
Photo: © CLICK
Actéon
Photo: © CLICK
Centauro Marinho
A handmade Arraiolos piece celebrating the Sea Centaurs born from King Ixion and a cloud that Zeus made appear as Hera. The predominant colours are black, orange, brick red and beige. Framed to be exhibited as an artwork. It received the Golden Anchor Trophy in 1998.
Length 54 cm
Width 54 cm
Height 2 cm
Photo: © CLICK
Centro Entrelaçado
Using the traditional Arraiolos stitching technique this handmade embroidery shows the beauty of geometric patterns with an interlaced centre. The piece is secured between two sheets of glass with a wooden brown frame ready to be exhibited. It received a mention at Coats Contest 2006.
Length 55 cm
Width 55 cm
Height 2 cm
Photo: © Antonio Adauta
Cruzes
The geometric patterns and interlaced crosses are stitched by hand harmoniously with contrasting colours of black, orange, brick red and beige. This piece takes three months of hand work. It received a mention at FIALISBOA 2015: best piece of contemporary craft.
Length 70 cm
Width 55 cm
Height 2 cm
Photo: © CLICK
Minotauro
This piece is a tribute to the mythological Minotaur who was sealed by the King Minos in a labyrinth designed by the architect Daedalus. This handmade Arraiolos embroidery is framed ready to be hung and appreciated. The piece received equal first price at Famalicão handcraft Fair 2006.
Length 40 cm
Width 40 cm
Height 2 cm
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