This nativity scene is hand built from tinplate. The sculptural form, alluding to Christmas, is primarily intended for collectors.
Length 13 cm
Width 5 cm
Height 12 cm
© Carolina Abreu
© Carolina Abreu
© Carolina Abreu
© Carolina Abreu
© Carolina Abreu
José Vieira
- Metalworking
- São Torcato, Portugal
- Master Artisan
Contact
Portuguese, Spanish
Hours:
Monday to Friday 09:00 - 13:00/15:00 - 20:00
Monday to Friday 09:00 - 13:00/15:00 - 20:00
Phone:
+351 962707127
+351 962707127
© Carolina Abreu
The tinsmith with golden hands
- • José’s objects demonstrate his incredible dexterity
- • Each metal piece is made entirely by hand
- • His work has been sought after by renowned international designers
José Vieira is quite remarkable when it comes to shaping galvanised tin, copper and brass. In his 50s, he runs his inherited tinsmithing workshop near the charming city of Guimarães. “I learned the craft by intensely observing my grandfather and father,” he says. At the time, there were other tinsmiths making rural objects like watering cans and funnels, but the Vieira family pieces were known for their quality, each distinguished with the letter V. Today, José is one of the few tinsmiths left in Portugal. In 2019, German designer Christian Haas asked him to make a set of side tables by folding and overlapping thin sheets of brass. The Pleat collection successfully shifted tinsmithing into a new context and was part of the Doppia Firma 2019 selection shown in Milan and Paris.
Read the full interviewWorks
Photo: © Carolina Abreu
Nativity scene
Photo: © Carolina Abreu
Coffer
This piece, hand built from sheets of galvanised steel, can be used as a jewellery box or to store small documents, among other uses.
Length 24 cm
Width 14 cm
Height 12 cm
Photo: © Carolina Abreu
Decorative watering can
This decorative watering can, handcrafted from a sheet of smooth galvanised steel, is inspired by the form of an agricultural watering can. The surface of the can has elaborate decorative patterns.
Height 40 cm
Width 24 cm
Photo: © Carolina Abreu
Metal buckets
These buckets, handcrafted from sheets of smooth galvanised steel, zinc plated wire and wood, are intended for agricultural purposes, to transport water and/or food for animals.
Length 32 cm
Width 22 cm
Height 35 cm
Photo: © Carolina Abreu
Metal ewer
These two metal ewers are copies of the traditional ceramic ones used in old-fashioned bathrooms. They are handcrafted from sheets of galvanised steel.
Height 35 cm
Width 15 cm
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