When talking about Portuguese tableware and decorative objects, we often come across the terms ceramics, porcelain, stoneware or terracotta. While these materials may appear similar, each has its own unique characteristics, rooted in ancient traditions and a craftsmanship that Portugal continues to preserve with talent.
Let us take you through their differences, their advantages and disadvantages...
Ceramics: the generic term
Ceramics refers to all objects shaped from clay and then fired at high temperature. Porcelain, stoneware and terracotta are all part of it. The word “ceramics” is therefore a generic term, often used to describe all clay-based tableware.
In Portugal, ceramics are everywhere: from Lisbon’s blue azulejos to the colourful dishes of the Alentejo.
Ceramic seashell collection – Luisa Paixão
Porcelain: delicacy and elegance
Born in China, porcelain arrived in Europe in the 18th century and found fertile ground in Portugal. It is made from kaolin, quartz and feldspar, then fired at very high temperatures (up to 1400°C).
- Advantages: great delicacy, immaculate whiteness, translucency, resistance to thermal shock.
- Disadvantages: more fragile against mechanical shock.
Portuguese artisans create refined collections, both modern and elegant.
Portuguese porcelain collection – Luisa Paixão
Stoneware: strength and modernity
Stoneware stands between porcelain and terracotta. Made from dense clay and fired between 1200 and 1300°C, it is non-porous, highly resistant and often glazed.
- Advantages: exceptional durability, perfect for everyday use, modern appearance.
- Disadvantages: less delicate than porcelain.
Portuguese artisans have revived stoneware by creating sleek and contemporary collections, highly sought-after in modern kitchens.
Stoneware tableware collection – Luisa Paixão
Terracotta: authenticity and tradition
Terracotta is probably the oldest material. Shaped from red or ochre clay and fired at lower temperatures (900 to 1000°C), it is widely used in Portugal, especially for cooking dishes.
- Advantages: gentle and even cooking, ideal for preserving flavours, affordable price.
- Disadvantages: more porous (even when glazed), less resistant under intensive use.
Nothing compares to a “bacalhau com natas” or a Portuguese tagine cooked in terracotta. It is the very soul of traditional Lusitanian cuisine.
Hand-decorated Portuguese terracotta pot – Luisa Paixão
Why choose Portuguese ceramics?
Beyond technical differences, choosing a porcelain, stoneware or terracotta piece made in Portugal means:
- Supporting a living craft: potters, ceramicists and family workshops continue techniques passed down through generations.
- Enjoying unique know-how: each piece is shaped and painted by hand, making it authentic and one of a kind.
- Blending tradition and modernity: Portugal has preserved its ancestral techniques while embracing contemporary design.
In summary
- Ceramics: generic term for all clay-based objects.
- Porcelain: delicacy, whiteness, elegance.
- Stoneware: durability and modernity.
- Terracotta: authenticity and traditional cooking.
Whichever you prefer, one thing is certain: Portuguese artisans know how to transform raw clay into true treasures of everyday life.