Founded in 1884 in Caldas da Rainha, Portugal, the Bordalo Pinheiro ceramics factory continues the legacy of Raphel Bordalo Pinheiro, a pioneering ceramist who was ahead of his time. Pinheiro’s vision seamlessly combined industrial production with the artistic essence of Portuguese craft, becoming known for a unique blend of creativity, naturalism and humor. In 1891, Pinheiro created ceramic swallows that to this day still hang from the ceiling of the century-old tobacco shop Mónaco. The image of this small, long-tailed bird, that represents bravery and faithfulness, resonated with the people of Portugal. Throughout the 20th century, it was used in façades, balconies and interiors throughout the country and in Portuguese homes around the world. 

Lisbon-based, women-owned shop A Vida Portuguesa has reissued these black Ceramic Swallows, crafted from the original Bordalo Pinheiro molds, in four different sizes. (Each sold separately.) Each one comes inside a box that, when opened, turns into reading material that explains the history behind “a andorinha” meaning “the swallow.”