The rebirth of Barbotine

What is barbotine?

Slip is a liquid or semi-liquid clay mixture, often called "clay slurry", used in the art of ceramics. This material is used to create sculptures, pottery and various decorative objects.

The special feature of slip is its fluid texture, which enables ceramic artists to shape pieces with great precision and reproduce fine details.

The process of creating with slip generally involves pouring or applying this clay suspension into a mold or directly onto a surface. Once applied, slip can be shaped and sculpted before being fired to harden the material and give shape to the final object.

The slip technique is renowned for its ability to capture the intricate details and subtleties of nature. Barbotine pieces can depict fruit, flowers or other elements of everyday life with striking realism.

The origins of barbotine

The art of barbotine, also known as "barroco" in Portugal, has its roots in antiquity. The technique has evolved over the centuries, carried by the skilful hands of craftsmen throughout the world.

In France, Italy, Austria and all over the world, ceramic workshops compete in dexterity and creativity to offer the most beautiful pieces in barbotine.

In Portugal, this tradition flourished during the Renaissance, drawing on the Moorish, Roman and Iberian influences that shaped the region's artistic landscape.

The 19th century marked the apogee of slipware in Portugal, with the transition from utilitarian tableware to the recognition of artistic ceramics.

Thanks to the presence of clay soils, the town of Caldas da Rainha became the major production center in Portugal, with renowned workshops such as Fábrica de Cerâmica das Caldas da Rainha and Fábrica Bordallo Pinheiro.

These workshops produced a wide range of slipware, from vases and figurines to azulejos and sculptures, and the city boasts no fewer than 3 museums dedicated to ceramics.

• Ceramic museum,
• Bordallo Pinheiro museum
• José Malhoa museum

Today, the art of barbotine continues to flourish in Portugal. After being somewhat overshadowed by modern global trends, barbotine is resurfacing on our tables with renewed appeal.

Like a rediscovered jewel, this ancestral technique is once again seducing many contemporary artists, inspiring them to create original and innovative works. 

The Riveira collection, designed by the prestigious French floral designer Christian Tortu, highlights this art and its remarkable details.

La barbotine : Arts and crafts

The art of slip painting offers limitless creative freedom, allowing artists to freely express their imagination and create inspiring works.

Each barbotine piece is made by hand, with passion and attention to detail. Working with clay, precise modeling and delicate painting give each creation its unique character.

From vases adorned with lush vines to sculptures of bright fruit, slip offers an infinite palette of artistic possibilities, combining functionality and aesthetics to brighten interiors and enchant tables.

Fruit and vegetable shapes in barbotine celebrate the beauty and diversity of nature, reminding us of the importance of agriculture and respect for the environment.

Figurines and sculptures, often depicting traditional characters, animals and scenes of daily life, remain a popular element of Portuguese craftsmanship.

Handmade tableware, often decorated with traditional motifs or original shapes.

Plat en barbotine - Collection Luisa Paixão

 Discover the largest collection of Barbotine pieces available online