From 21 to 31 August, the Portugal Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka will host “Water Flowing into the Sea”, an exhibition by the National Handicraft Programme (Programa Nacional Saber Fazer), organised by the Directorate-General for the Arts and the Portuguese Cultural Heritage Institute.
Through unique pieces inspired by the themes of water and the sea, Portugal showcases the richness of its tangible and intangible heritage, highlighting the value of traditional craftsmanship as a sustainable alternative. Featuring ceramics, basketry, wood, plant fibres and lace, the exhibition reveals how age-old techniques, and natural raw materials remain contemporary and relevant.
The sea — a central element of Portuguese culture — runs throughout the narrative, with a special focus on coastal and Azorean handicrafts, reflecting a deep connection to the land and landscape.
Through unique pieces inspired by the themes of water and the sea, Portugal showcases the richness of its tangible and intangible heritage, highlighting the value of traditional craftsmanship as a sustainable alternative. Featuring ceramics, basketry, wood, plant fibres and lace, the exhibition reveals how age-old techniques, and natural raw materials remain contemporary and relevant.
The sea — a central element of Portuguese culture — runs throughout the narrative, with a special focus on coastal and Azorean handicrafts, reflecting a deep connection to the land and landscape.
Programme:
Workshops on plant fibres: discover the traditional techniques of working with bulrush (bunho) and cane — sustainable raw materials that come to life as everyday objects or decorative pieces.
23–28 August | 11:00–12:30 & 15:00–16:30
• Manuel Ferreira – bulrush furniture
• Domingos Vaz – cane basketry
Portuguese music concerts (20:30)
• 22 August – O Gajo
• 28 August – Bandua
• 29 August – Expresso Transatlântico
• 30 August – A Cantadeira
The Direção-Geral das Artes is Portugal’s public body for supporting, promoting and fostering artistic creation, ensuring universal access to the arts.
Workshops on plant fibres: discover the traditional techniques of working with bulrush (bunho) and cane — sustainable raw materials that come to life as everyday objects or decorative pieces.
23–28 August | 11:00–12:30 & 15:00–16:30
• Manuel Ferreira – bulrush furniture
• Domingos Vaz – cane basketry
Portuguese music concerts (20:30)
• 22 August – O Gajo
• 28 August – Bandua
• 29 August – Expresso Transatlântico
• 30 August – A Cantadeira
The Direção-Geral das Artes is Portugal’s public body for supporting, promoting and fostering artistic creation, ensuring universal access to the arts.
