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Portugal pottery is an integral part of Portuguese handicrafts. For tourists visiting the country, Portuguese pottery can be an excellent souvenir item. The importance of pottery in Portugal, diminished, during the period in which aluminum and plastic was widely used. In the recent past, attempts have been made to revive pottery of Portugal. The resultant effect is that, Portugal pottery is regaining its position, both at home and internationally.
Caldas da Rainha, which is located at a distance of fifty five miles from Lisbon, is considered to be the main hub, the capital of Portugal pottery. Caldas da Rainha has emerged as the main center of Portuguese pottery because of the abundance of clay deposits, found in the region. Pottery making has been a part of the livelihood of the people of Caldas da Rainha, right from the neolithic times.
The initiatives of Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, a renowned artist, was the main propelling force behind the popularity of Caldas da Rainha pottery. In 1884, Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, along with his brother established the Fabrica de Faiancas, with the objective to take the pottery and ceramic industry of the country on the path to development. The factory produced a wide variety of earthenware products ranging from common china wares to decorative items and tin glazed pottery.
A popular form of Portugal pottery is black pottery, that is found in Molelos village, in central Portugal. The artisans of this region are identified with their creations, practicing the art of pottery making through generations. Another type of Portugal pottery that is much famed is Quartz Inlay Pottery. Glazed pottery of Portugal is also quite well known.
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