A man in a white coat carefully paints a decorative line on a ceramic vase in a pottery studio.

Jorge
Saraiva

Ceramicist
Ílhavo, Portugal
August 14, 2025
From the village of Ílhav, Portugal, Jorge Saraiva argues that preserving tradition and history is essential for shaping our future. Will his voice be heard from our fast world?
About
Born on Portugal's windswept northern coast, Jorge Saraiva breathes life into Oficina da Formiga, a ceramic atelier that echoes the artisanal spirit of the 19th century. Alongside his wife Milú, he weaves together the roles of creator, mentor, and guardian of ceramic heritage—nurturing not just clay, but the dreams of fellow artisans who share his passion. Jorge Saraiva is currently associated with M.A.D.S. Art Gallery as an artist.
Oficina da Formiga
Rua da Coutada 77
3830-134 Ílhavo
Portugal
Contact:
oficinadaformiga@gmail.com
+351 919 824 581
oficinadaformiga.com/
Visits: By appointment only

A childhood shaped by working with ceramics—by the rhythmic turning of the potter’s wheel, the earthy scent of clay, the ancient magic of fire and earth. What began as a necessity for a student to finance his studies developed into a deep passion. As Saraiva describes his mission: To shape the future as a continuation of tradition, we must ensure that the ancient craftsmanship lives on unbroken tomorrow.

Jorge Saraiva wants to remain true to himself and Portuguese traditions. His country has a rich ceramic tradition, and contemporary Portuguese ceramic artists often combine traditional techniques with modern artistic expression.

Which place do you currently call home and where do you work on your projects?

I live in Ílhavo, in the Portuguese north coast, and I work in our ceramic taller, just near our home.

 

Do you have a favorite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?

When I want to relax, I go to Praia da Costa Nova to gaze at the sea and stroll among the colourful striped houses—a relaxing experience that takes us back in time with its distinctive identity and local atmosphere.

Are there any urgent political issues or problems in your region?

The steady rise in sea levels is a problem, as it will change the geography of our region.

 

In your opinion, what has developed well in the last 5 years—and what has not?

Communication and the development of the university were the best things that happened in the region, while car traffic made everything worse.

 

 

Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers—whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?

Perhaps the restaurant Dona Mena, where one can enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine.

 

Is there anything particularly innovative in your region? Also in comparison to other places you have already visited?

Our Casas de Rayas near Costa Nova beach, the Moliceiro boat that sails the canals of the Aveiro River, and the Praia de Barra lighthouse, one of the tallest in Europe.

 

Do you have a secret restaurant tip that you would like to share with us?

— Restaurant Buraco do Velho in Vagos 

— Restaurant O Terminal in S. Jacinto 

 

 

Is there a local shop whose products are only available in your region?

Maria da Apresentação Cruz e Herdeiros, the best Ovos moles of Aveiro (Ovos Moles is a traditional dessert from our region).

 

What are your 3 favourite apps that you use every day and couldn’t live without?

I don’t use any…

 

Do you have any favourite newspapers or online magazines? And how do you keep up to date with politics or social and cultural issues?

Free news on the Internet.

Imagine you could be mayor for a year—what would you change?

If it were possible, there would be many things… more flowers, a different design for city streets and parking spaces to give priority to pedestrians.

 

One last question: If you could choose another place to live—regardless of financial or time constrains—which one would you choose?

The Netherlands.

 

 

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Colorful fish sculptures atop a shelf displaying intricately designed ceramic plates and a pitcher.
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Bright kitchen with wooden shelves displaying colorful ceramics, a dining table set with dishes, and a bottle of champagne.

Oficina da Formiga

Category: Ceramic Art
Founded in 1992, Oficina da Formiga finds its home in a beautifully renewed family house that honors Portugal's rich ceramic heritage. Every piece of pottery created here serves a purpose in daily life, whether for savoring traditional dishes or gracing a dinner table. The artisans draw inspiration from three fundamental elements: the sea, the earth, and the air. These manifest as timeless motifs of fish, roosters, flowers, and birds that have adorned Portuguese ceramics for generations. Many of the designs trace their origins back over a century to unknown folk artists, representing an authentic tradition passed down through time. Each piece is brought to life using a palette of blue, green, rose, brown, and yellow—colors that are all high-fired to ensure both beauty and durability.

Oficina da Formiga

Rua da Coutada
3830-134 Ílhavo
Portugal
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A chef in a dark kitchen presents a dish with meat and orange slices in a clay pot, illuminated by overhead lighting.
Roasted chicken pieces garnished with orange slices, served in a clay dish, alongside a glass of red wine and a plate.
Wooden tables and chairs in a restaurant with a wall of tree slices and a decorative tree, creating a cozy atmosphere.

Buraco do Velho

Category: Culinary
Buraco do Velho, settled in the quiet village of Pedricosa near Aveiro, offers an authentic taste of traditional Portuguese cuisine in a beautifully renovated setting. With a concept and renewed space, Buraco do Velho brings perfect harmony between quality and tradition in the dishes presented, overlooking the peaceful Rio Boco, one of the arms of the Ria de Aveiro. This charming restaurant specializes in comfort food cooked the traditional way, featuring wood-fired oven specialties like roasted duck, chanfana, and perfectly prepared bacalhau. A restaurant made by people for people, bringing you the flavors, aromas, and stories of local products and producers, Buraco do Velho has earned its reputation as a hidden gem worth the journey to discover authentic Portuguese hospitality and cuisine.  

Buraco do Velho

Community R. 30 Pedricosa, Vagos
3840-345 Pedricosa, Vagos (Aveiro)
Portugal
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