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Firmino Adão Canhoto

  • Moveis d’Arte Canhoto
  • Wood marquetry maker
  • Azueira, Portugal
  • Master Artisan
Firmino Adão Canhoto Wood marquetry maker
Contact
Portuguese, English
Hours:
Monday to Saturday 10:00 - 18:00
Phone:
+351 261961568
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The master of wood inlay

  • • Firmino learnt the art of carpentry as a boy
  • • His marquetry expertise is evident in his furniture
  • • He enjoys passing on his knowledge to younger generations

Firmino Canhoto has dedicated his life to creating majestic wooden furniture inspired by Portuguese 16th to 18th century D. João, D. José and D. Maria (named after Portuguese Royalty) and Indo-Portuguese styles. Mastering every construction phase, Firmino is highly recognised for his marquetry and inlay ability, having won multiple national awards. An inspirational figure, he taught at Lisbon’s School of Conservation and Restoration, has been invited by institutions such as Fundação Ricardo do Espírito Santo Silva to transmit his passion to young people and was one of the first teachers in ENCORE, the European network of higher educational conservation and restoration institutions. Firmino’s greatest joy was when his son João and daughter Carla joined as apprentices to follow his artistic carpentry path.

Read the full interview

Works

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Indo-Portuguese Cabinet Laurissilva No.1

This wooden cabinet, crafted from teak wood, rosewood and conewood, was inspired by a 17th-century Indo-Portuguese cabinet. Firmino Canhoto decorated the cabinet with various colour wood inlays to form a floral design. The decor is a tribute to the Laurissilva forest on the Island of Madeira.

Length 105 cm
Width 38 cm
Height 72 cm

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Indo-Portuguese Cabinet Tiger No.1

Firmino Canhoto drew his inspiration for this wood cabinet from an 18th-century Indo-Portuguese cabinet. The cabinet, made from teak and rosewood is decorated on all sides with wooden inlays of figures from Hindu mythology, vegetal and geometric motifs. The feet are carved in the shape of Naginis. Golden brass is used for handles, escutcheon, flower-shaped tacks, and the corners. There is a secret safe in the interior and its drawers are lined in black velvet.

Length 75 cm
Width 49 cm
Height 128 cm

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Indo-Portuguese Cabinet Jatayu No.3

This handcrafted wooden cabinet, made up of a box and trivet, appears to have 11 drawers, but in reality, there are 10 of different sizes. All the sides are decorated with motifs inspired by figures from Hindu mythology, lions, two-headed eagles, vegetable motifs and hearts invoking the Portuguese soul. The drawers are lined with black velvet and there is a concealed safe.

Length 105 cm
Width 38 cm
Height 72 cm

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Dresser Queen Mary Rich Empire No.1 (D. Maria Rica Império)

This handcrafted dresser has been ornately decorated with inlaid woods using threads, fillets and geometric lines around delicate flowers, creating a diversity of bright colours in various contrasts of yellow, pink and purple. There are two secret sections inside. The cabinet has been finished with a coat of shellac with half polishing and an application of virgin beeswax gives its shiny aspect.

Length 120 cm
Width 59 cm
Height 89 cm

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Ventó Office Box Tiger Eyes No.2

This Indo-Portuguese office box is handcrafted from rosewood and teak wood. The box is inspired from those used by Portuguese travellers, clergymen and navigators, who kept their belongings of great value in them. The door allows all four drawers to be locked at once. The box has been adorned with oriental Goan vegetal and geometric motifs, a tiger's head and gilded brass fittings cut in a very fine lace pattern.

Length 25 cm
Width 31 cm
Height 27.5 cm

Enjoy an experience with Firmino Adão Canhoto

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