Portugal Showcases the Art of Portuguese Woodworking at Expo 2025 Osaka!
More than 40 exclusive pieces from the Portuguese brand Antarte will take centre stage at the Portugal Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.
This collaboration celebrates design, sustainability, and the craftsmanship that defines Portuguese heritage. Its partner, renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma—the designer of the Pavilion—merges tradition and innovation, creating spaces that embody Portugal's essence.
Inside the Pavilion, benches, tables, sofas, and even the iconic Honor Book Table have been meticulously crafted by Antarte, using materials and techniques that pay tribute to the rich legacy of Portuguese woodworking.
One of the most striking pieces is the Honor Book Table, composed of 177 pieces of Portuguese ash wood. Each element has been hand-turned over more than 200 hours, resulting in a 100-kilogram masterpiece showcasing Portuguese design's precision and excellence.
Other standout creations include table tops made from Portuguese ash veneer, sofas with wooden structures and cotton waterproof fabric upholstery, and benches made from manually turned cork agglomerate – a sustainable and iconic material from Portugal.
This collaboration celebrates design, sustainability, and the craftsmanship that defines Portuguese heritage. Its partner, renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma—the designer of the Pavilion—merges tradition and innovation, creating spaces that embody Portugal's essence.
Inside the Pavilion, benches, tables, sofas, and even the iconic Honor Book Table have been meticulously crafted by Antarte, using materials and techniques that pay tribute to the rich legacy of Portuguese woodworking.
One of the most striking pieces is the Honor Book Table, composed of 177 pieces of Portuguese ash wood. Each element has been hand-turned over more than 200 hours, resulting in a 100-kilogram masterpiece showcasing Portuguese design's precision and excellence.
Other standout creations include table tops made from Portuguese ash veneer, sofas with wooden structures and cotton waterproof fabric upholstery, and benches made from manually turned cork agglomerate – a sustainable and iconic material from Portugal.
"It is a privilege to participate in a project like the Portugal Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, a true global showcase of Portugal's craftsmanship. Collaborating with Kengo Kuma, after working with names like Siza Vieira and Souto Moura, reaffirms Antarte's role as a reference in Portuguese design and woodworking."Mário Rocha, founder and CEO of Antarte
With more than 25 years of history, Antarte has gained international recognition for iconic projects, such as Pope Benedict XVI's reclining chair, Pope Francis's armchair, and the "Siza Vieira by Antarte" installation for the Vatican Pavilion at the 2023 Venice Biennale.
Don't miss the exclusive video showcasing the making of.
Don't miss the exclusive video showcasing the making of.
