GENERAL EMBROIDERY, SERVIETTE RING
A most unusual hand embroidered serviette ring in the shape of a fish from Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal, made in 1950s.
Fish, particularly cod and sardines, hold immense cultural and economic significance in Portugal. Portugal whose extensive coastline faces the sea, most of its culture is related to the Atlantic Ocean where fishing, exploring, and trading have been their gold mine for centuries. Sardines, a staple part of the cuisine, have become a cultural symbol in Portugal representing national identity and resilience
The elongated sardine is folded over, enabling the narrow tail to be inserted into the hole of the fish’s mouth, creating a round ring.
Fish, particularly cod and sardines, hold immense cultural and economic significance in Portugal.
Portugal whose extensive coastline faces the sea most of its culture is related to the Atlantic Ocean where fishing, exploring, and trading have been their gold mine for centuries. Sardines, a staple part of the cuisine, have become a cultural symbol in Portugal representing national identity and resilience.
The Sardine has now started to feature in artwork including ceramics, paintings, and sculptures, serving as a visual representation of Portuguese culture alongside the rooster, a more traditional symbolic animal for Portugal.
Popular festivals such as the “Festival of Santo Antonio” in Lisbon, or the “Festival of Saint Peter” in Porto, feature Sardines as the centre of the celebrations. Streets are adorned with Sardine decorations, and people come together to enjoy grilled Sardines, often accompanied by traditional Portuguese bread and wine.
