This is a unique chalice made by hand for a priest celebrating 25 years of devotion to God. The intricate sculptures, including protective saints, depict the key moments of his priesthood. Fired only once, the piece was not painted for a natural finish profound with details.
Height 35 cm
Diameter 13 cm
©Delfim Manuel
©Delfim Manuel
©Delfim Manuel
©Delfim Manuel
©Delfim Manuel
Delfim Manuel
- Ceramicist
- Rebordões, Portugal
- Master Artisan
- Recommended by CEARTE
Contact
Portuguese
Hours:
Monday to Sunday 9:00 - 12:00/14:00 - 17:30
Monday to Sunday 9:00 - 12:00/14:00 - 17:30
Phone:
+351 252850456
+351 252850456
©Delfim Manuel
Miniature clay stories
- • Delfim's craft is sculpting miniature scenes
- • Through clay he tells rich stories of Portuguese tradition
- • His figurines are minutely carved and painted
Delfim Manuel first touched clay when he was 10 years old and today specialises in creating detailed figurative scenes of Portuguese traditional and religious festivities. After many years in a ceramics school he opened his studio in 1990 to freely pursue his own individual style. “I enjoy carving the most intricate details, perfecting each gesture and technique as I go along. My mind is incessantly thinking about where I can improve.” Delfim has for example developed his own firing technique allowing the clay to dry naturally, by pre-cooking at low temperatures and then high-temperature firing. His clients are mostly collectors and he insists on meeting them personally to establish an emotional connection with each piece he crafts.
Read the full interviewWorks
Photo: ©All rights reserved
Chalice
Photo: ©All rights reserved
Nossa Senhora dos Rosários
Sculpted by hand, this is a figurine of Our Lady standing gracefully on a pedestal with gold legs holding baby Jesus in her arms. Her gold-plated crown was made by a local goldsmith and her vibrant clothes hand painted using a cold ceramic painting technique.
Height 22 cm
Diameter 17 cm
Photo: ©All rights reserved
Santo António
This refined sculpture of Santo António, the patron saint of Lisbon carrying baby Jesus, is made entirely by hand. Cold ceramic painting techniques were used to adorn the figure with a rich brown and gold cloak. The gold-plated processional cross and crown are made in gold-plated silver by a local goldsmith.
Photo: ©All rights reserved
Nossa Senhora das Flores
This is a colourful handcrafted sculpture of Our Lady surrounded by flowers, Jesus and biblical cherubs sitting on flower beds. Using cold ceramic painting techniques, the dress and cloak are painted with golden details. The crown in gold-plated silver was made by a local goldsmith.
Photo: ©All rights reserved
The Good Shepherd
Inspired by 17th-century Indo-Portuguese ivory sculptures, this piece shows the Good Shepherd at the top watching over a family. The middle section is filled with minute sculptures depicting key family moments and a nativity scene lies at the foot of the figure. It was entirely made by hand upon order.
Height 50 cm
Diameter 22 cm
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