Why Choose Bordallo Pinheiro
Few ceramic brands are as instantly recognisable as Bordallo Pinheiro. Founded by the celebrated Portuguese artist Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, the company has become famous for creating ceramics that celebrate the beauty of the natural world with extraordinary imagination and technical skill.
Unlike conventional tableware, Bordallo Pinheiro pieces are sculpted rather than simply decorated. Cabbage leaves become serving bowls, pumpkins become tureens and flowers, birds and fruit are transformed into colourful works of functional art. Every design reflects the playful creativity that has defined the brand for well over a century.
Although admired by collectors around the world, Bordallo Pinheiro ceramics are designed to be enjoyed every day. Their generous shapes, rich glazes and durable construction make them equally suitable for family meals, entertaining or simply displaying around the home.
Our collection includes everything from the famous Cabbage Collection to beautifully detailed serving pieces, bowls, plates and decorative ceramics. Alongside these iconic designs, we also offer selected Van Verre ceramics, produced in the same renowned Portuguese factory and continuing the tradition of exceptional craftsmanship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Bordalo Pinheiro?
Bordallo Pinheiro was founded in 1884 by the Portuguese artist Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, whose imaginative designs transformed everyday ceramics into works of art inspired by nature. Click this link for information about the Bordalo Pinheiro Museum in Lisbon
Why is the founder's name spelt Bordalo with one L and the brand Bordallo with two?
It can be confusing at first. The founder of the company was the Portuguese artist Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, whose surname is correctly spelt with one L. However, the ceramic brand has long been known internationally as Bordallo Pinheiro, using two Ls, and this is the name that appears on the company's branding, catalogues and website today. Both spellings have historical roots, but when referring to the ceramics themselves, Bordallo Pinheiro is the correct brand name.
Is Bordallo Pinheiro made in Portugal?
Yes. Bordallo Pinheiro ceramics continue to be made in Portugal using traditional ceramic techniques combined with modern craftsmanship.
Are Bordallo Pinheiro ceramics dishwasher safe?
Most Bordallo Pinheiro ceramics are dishwasher safe, although we recommend checking the care information on each individual product page.
Are Bordallo Pinheiro ceramics microwave safe?
Many Bordallo Pinheiro ceramics are suitable for microwave use, but care instructions vary between collections. Please refer to the individual product page before use.
Why is the Cabbage Collection so popular?
The Cabbage Collection has become one of the world's most recognisable ceramic designs thanks to its sculptural detail, rich green glazes and playful interpretation of nature. It has remained a design classic for generations.
What is Van Verre?
Van Verre is a Dutch design brand whose ceramic collections are produced in the Bordallo Pinheiro factory in Portugal. They share the same high standards of craftsmanship while offering a more contemporary style.
The Story of Bordallo Pinheiro
Founded in 1884, Bordallo Pinheiro occupies a unique place in the history of European ceramics. Its founder, Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, was already one of Portugal's best-known artists and illustrators before establishing the ceramic factory that still bears his name. Rather than creating conventional tableware, he approached ceramics as an artist, drawing inspiration directly from the gardens, orchards and countryside around him.
Leaves, fruit, vegetables, flowers, birds and animals became his canvas. Instead of applying decoration to flat surfaces, he sculpted nature itself into ceramic form. This distinctive approach gave Bordallo Pinheiro a style unlike any other and established a reputation that continues to grow more than 140 years later.
Today the factory remains in Portugal, where skilled craftspeople continue to produce many of the brand's most famous designs. Traditional ceramic techniques are combined with modern production methods, allowing Bordallo Pinheiro to preserve its artistic heritage while creating pieces suitable for contemporary homes.
The brand has become synonymous with joyful entertaining and colourful table settings. Whether used for everyday family meals, garden lunches or festive celebrations, Bordallo Pinheiro ceramics encourage people to embrace colour, creativity and the pleasures of gathering around the table.
At Tallulah Fox, Bordallo Pinheiro is one of our favourite ceramic collections because it perfectly balances artistry with practicality. Every piece has a sculptural quality that makes it beautiful enough to display while remaining robust enough to use and enjoy every day.
The Iconic Cabbage Collection
The Cabbage Collection is the design that made Bordallo Pinheiro famous around the world. Inspired by the simple beauty of cabbage leaves, each piece captures remarkable detail through richly textured surfaces and vibrant green glazes.
The collection includes dinner plates, side plates, bowls, serving dishes, platters, jugs and decorative pieces, all designed to mix together effortlessly. Although unmistakably distinctive, the Cabbage Collection works beautifully with plain tableware, colourful glassware and natural linens, making it surprisingly versatile for both everyday dining and special occasions.
Beyond the Cabbage Collection
While the Cabbage Collection remains the best known, Bordallo Pinheiro offers so much more. The collection includes beautifully sculpted fruit, pumpkins, flowers, birds and nature-inspired serving pieces that celebrate the same creativity and craftsmanship. We also stock selected Van Verre ceramics, produced in the Bordallo Pinheiro factory and offering a fresh interpretation of Portuguese ceramic design.
Why We Love Bordallo Pinheiro
Bordallo Pinheiro reminds us that tableware should never be boring. Every piece has personality, humour and extraordinary craftsmanship, turning everyday meals into something a little more memorable. These are ceramics that make people smile, whether they're laid on the table, filled with food or simply displayed on a kitchen shelf.
Styling Tip
Mix Bordallo Pinheiro with coloured glassware, crisp white linens or relaxed striped tablecloths for a table full of Mediterranean character. Layer cabbage plates with textured bowls, add colourful serving pieces and finish with fresh lemons, herbs or seasonal flowers for an effortlessly abundant look.
Few ceramic brands are as instantly recognisable as Bordallo Pinheiro. Founded by the celebrated Portuguese artist Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, the company has become famous for creating ceramics that celebrate the beauty of the natural world with extraordinary imagination and technical skill.
Unlike conventional tableware, Bordallo Pinheiro pieces are sculpted rather than simply decorated. Cabbage leaves become serving bowls, pumpkins become tureens and flowers, birds and fruit are transformed into colourful works of functional art. Every design reflects the playful creativity that has defined the brand for well over a century.
Although admired by collectors around the world, Bordallo Pinheiro ceramics are designed to be enjoyed every day. Their generous shapes, rich glazes and durable construction make them equally suitable for family meals, entertaining or simply displaying around the home.
Our collection includes everything from the famous Cabbage Collection to beautifully detailed serving pieces, bowls, plates and decorative ceramics. Alongside these iconic designs, we also offer selected Van Verre ceramics, produced in the same renowned Portuguese factory and continuing the tradition of exceptional craftsmanship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Bordalo Pinheiro?
Bordallo Pinheiro was founded in 1884 by the Portuguese artist Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, whose imaginative designs transformed everyday ceramics into works of art inspired by nature. Click this link for information about the Bordalo Pinheiro Museum in Lisbon
Why is the founder's name spelt Bordalo with one L and the brand Bordallo with two?
It can be confusing at first. The founder of the company was the Portuguese artist Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, whose surname is correctly spelt with one L. However, the ceramic brand has long been known internationally as Bordallo Pinheiro, using two Ls, and this is the name that appears on the company's branding, catalogues and website today. Both spellings have historical roots, but when referring to the ceramics themselves, Bordallo Pinheiro is the correct brand name.
Is Bordallo Pinheiro made in Portugal?
Yes. Bordallo Pinheiro ceramics continue to be made in Portugal using traditional ceramic techniques combined with modern craftsmanship.
Are Bordallo Pinheiro ceramics dishwasher safe?
Most Bordallo Pinheiro ceramics are dishwasher safe, although we recommend checking the care information on each individual product page.
Are Bordallo Pinheiro ceramics microwave safe?
Many Bordallo Pinheiro ceramics are suitable for microwave use, but care instructions vary between collections. Please refer to the individual product page before use.
Why is the Cabbage Collection so popular?
The Cabbage Collection has become one of the world's most recognisable ceramic designs thanks to its sculptural detail, rich green glazes and playful interpretation of nature. It has remained a design classic for generations.
What is Van Verre?
Van Verre is a Dutch design brand whose ceramic collections are produced in the Bordallo Pinheiro factory in Portugal. They share the same high standards of craftsmanship while offering a more contemporary style.
The Story of Bordallo Pinheiro
Founded in 1884, Bordallo Pinheiro occupies a unique place in the history of European ceramics. Its founder, Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, was already one of Portugal's best-known artists and illustrators before establishing the ceramic factory that still bears his name. Rather than creating conventional tableware, he approached ceramics as an artist, drawing inspiration directly from the gardens, orchards and countryside around him.
Leaves, fruit, vegetables, flowers, birds and animals became his canvas. Instead of applying decoration to flat surfaces, he sculpted nature itself into ceramic form. This distinctive approach gave Bordallo Pinheiro a style unlike any other and established a reputation that continues to grow more than 140 years later.
Today the factory remains in Portugal, where skilled craftspeople continue to produce many of the brand's most famous designs. Traditional ceramic techniques are combined with modern production methods, allowing Bordallo Pinheiro to preserve its artistic heritage while creating pieces suitable for contemporary homes.
The brand has become synonymous with joyful entertaining and colourful table settings. Whether used for everyday family meals, garden lunches or festive celebrations, Bordallo Pinheiro ceramics encourage people to embrace colour, creativity and the pleasures of gathering around the table.
At Tallulah Fox, Bordallo Pinheiro is one of our favourite ceramic collections because it perfectly balances artistry with practicality. Every piece has a sculptural quality that makes it beautiful enough to display while remaining robust enough to use and enjoy every day.
The Iconic Cabbage Collection
The Cabbage Collection is the design that made Bordallo Pinheiro famous around the world. Inspired by the simple beauty of cabbage leaves, each piece captures remarkable detail through richly textured surfaces and vibrant green glazes.
The collection includes dinner plates, side plates, bowls, serving dishes, platters, jugs and decorative pieces, all designed to mix together effortlessly. Although unmistakably distinctive, the Cabbage Collection works beautifully with plain tableware, colourful glassware and natural linens, making it surprisingly versatile for both everyday dining and special occasions.
Beyond the Cabbage Collection
While the Cabbage Collection remains the best known, Bordallo Pinheiro offers so much more. The collection includes beautifully sculpted fruit, pumpkins, flowers, birds and nature-inspired serving pieces that celebrate the same creativity and craftsmanship. We also stock selected Van Verre ceramics, produced in the Bordallo Pinheiro factory and offering a fresh interpretation of Portuguese ceramic design.
Why We Love Bordallo Pinheiro
Bordallo Pinheiro reminds us that tableware should never be boring. Every piece has personality, humour and extraordinary craftsmanship, turning everyday meals into something a little more memorable. These are ceramics that make people smile, whether they're laid on the table, filled with food or simply displayed on a kitchen shelf.
Styling Tip
Mix Bordallo Pinheiro with coloured glassware, crisp white linens or relaxed striped tablecloths for a table full of Mediterranean character. Layer cabbage plates with textured bowls, add colourful serving pieces and finish with fresh lemons, herbs or seasonal flowers for an effortlessly abundant look.