Senses Project 2

Embroidery

Golden woodwok

Portuguese Porcelain

Basket weaving

Lara Silva 27698 Soraya Marques 30190

Talha Dourada

Talha Dourada, or “golden woodwork,” is a richly decorative woodcarving style found in Portugal’s Baroque churches. This style covers altarpieces, panels, and other elements in gold leaf, often depicting saints, angels, and scenes from the Bible. Beyond its beauty, the golden detail was meant to inspire awe and reflect the divine, aligning with the Baroque era’s focus on God’s glory and spiritual power.

Touch

• Has smooth, glossy finish, especially on its gilded areas, giving it a polished, luxurious feel
• The painted surfaces have a slightly velvety or matte texture contrasting with the glossy gilding.

Portuguese porcelain

Portuguese porcelain is celebrated for its vibrant colors, intricate designs, and skilled craftsmanship. Styles range from classic blue-and-white motifs to the colorful, nature-inspired patterns of the Alentejo region. Valued worldwide, Portuguese ceramics blend tradition with modern appeal, serving both functional and decorative purposes while showcasing Portugal's cultural heritage.

Touch

• Most Portuguese pottery has a glossy, smooth glaze, making it cool and sleek to the touch.
• Hand-painted or embossed designs add slight texture, creating raised areas you can feel.
• Some pieces, especially rustic or traditional styles, may have a slightly rough, handmade feel on unglazed parts.

Embroidery

Viseu may not be as renowned for embroidery as regions like Viana do Castelo or Madeira, but it still adds to Portugal's embroidery heritage. Portuguese embroidery is celebrated for its detailed patterns and vibrant colors, influenced by styles from Renaissance eras. While Minho is famous for “Lenços dos Namorados” (Sweetheart Handkerchiefs), Viseu’s embroidery often includes floral, geometric, and religious motifs typical of Portuguese textiles.

Touch

• Embroidery feels slightly elevated on the fabric, giving it a three-dimensional quality.

• You can feel where stitches start and end, giving edges a slightly uneven or layered feel.The natural threads and layered textures evoke a sense of warmth, giving it a comforting, handmade feel.

Basket Weaving

The basket weaving or "cesta de verga" from Viseu, Portugal, is a traditional wicker basket crafted by hand using willow stems. Known for its durability and rustic charm, it has long been used for carrying goods and storing items. Recently, these baskets have gained popularity as decorative, sustainable pieces that showcase Portuguese craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

Touch

• The basket has an intricate, crisscrossed texture from the weaving, which feels patterned and uneven to the touch.
• The structure is sturdy yet has a slight flexibility and the material is slightly rough.