Castelo Branco Embroidery (Bird) Umbrella

Known to have been in production between the 17th and 19th centuries, the first reference to this local style was made by Jaime Lopes Dias, at the 4th Beirão Congress held in Castelo Branco in 1931. He called for greater recognition of this form of artistic expression as part of the regional heritage. In 1976, the Atelier-School of Regional Embroidery was set up in the Francisco Tavares Proença Júnior Museum. The centre continues to operate and is dedicated to preserving, producing, restoring and promoting this style.

The embroidery is done in silk thread on linen using various styles of stitch but especially the defining slack stitch, also known as the Castelo Branco stitch. There is no limit to the range of colours although there are monochromatic examples where the design takes on greater prominence. In general terms, Castelo Branco Embroidery can be divided into two styles: the popular, with more obvious designs, and the erudite, more elaborate and complex and attributed to the upper, better educated classes. Some designs reflect influences brought back from the Orient on the Portuguese voyages of exploration. However, there are also references to daily life, the local fauna and flora or even just erudite artistic figures appropriate to the respective periods and taken from Renaissance and Baroque imagery. (www.visitportugal.com)

This product was inspired by the patterns of Castelo Branco embroideries which are certified handicraft products by Adere-CERTIFICA with registered trademark and GI – Geographical Indication by Munícipo de Castelo Branco.

Terra Lusa brand presents several collections of products where each reference is a tribute to the Portuguese Cultural Heritage: notebooks, wrist watches , fans, eco bags, mini umbrellas, glasses cases, microfibre cloths and adjustable book covers, all divided into themes of Portuguese roots.

800 Years of History, Culture and Tradition inspired the design of the various products in which quality allies with contemporary design.