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António RamalhoRa-Ro IndexVery RareWhat is the Ra-Ro Index?
Handmade byAntónio Ramalho
Medusa
53,00 €
Ships immediately · dispatched in about 48 hours
We found António's Medusa to be a spirited and visionary fusion of ancient Greek tragedy with the popular 20th-century clay figures of Barcelos. We would even dare to say: a kind of unique piece of Greek-Barcelos mythology. Our apologies to all art historians.
Read the story of the piece- Shipping to Europe, the US, Canada and Brazil
- Free returns within 14 days
- Secure, encrypted payment
Handmade byAntónio RamalhoDimensions
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Shipping and returns
Shipping time: Approximately 48h
We ship to Portugal, the rest of Europe, the US, Canada and Brazil. You have 14 days to return the piece free of charge. Payment is secure and encrypted.
Barcelos clay figure
Medusa
The Medusa of Greek mythology, shaped in clay in Barcelos.
Story of the piece
Medusa
The clay monster that blends ancient Greece’s and Barcelos’s mythology.
The masterful potter António Ramalho is the great-grandson of Rosa Ramalho, one of the most popular Portuguese potters to this day, who shaped the famous clay figures of Barcelos throughout the 20th century.
It was António Ramalho’s mother, also a potter, who created this Medusa, now crafted by the hands of a man who grew up with a very conscious doubt about his heritage: Where do I fit in? Does my work belong on the same shelves as these incredible women who taught me everything I know?
That is a lot of pressure. But sometimes, pressure simply gives way to talent. So - Medusa.
With snakes in place of hair, as the myth goes. Her face so horrific - or, depending on the version, so beautiful - that anyone who looked upon her would instantly turn to stone.
We couldn't stop looking at her, just as she was made by the potter António Ramalho in his workshop in Barcelos (Minho, Portugal). Far from turning us to stone, the piece made us smile.
It is a work of love and homage, with the vitreous quality and texture of the piece revealing themselves as António’s unique and most distinctive characteristics. He has every reason to be a proud bearer of this incredible family legacy.
We found Medusa to be a witty and visionary fusion of ancient Greek tragedy with the popular clay figures of Barcelos from the 20th century. We even dare to say: a unique piece of Graeco-Barcelense mythology. Our apologies to all art historians.
In numbers
The piece in facts.
Generations4generations
From Rosa Ramalho, his great-grandmother, to António.
Years old8years
When he sold his first little clay horse to a tourist.
The return2004
The year he came back to Barcelos to reinvent the family tradition.
Look at her. You won’t turn to stone.
See the piece
See every detail.
Overview
The Medusa
Snakes instead of hair, as the myth demands.
- 1The snakesEach serpent is shaped by hand, with its own eyes.
- 2The faceNeither horrible nor beautiful: impossible to look away.
- 3The bodyDecorated by hand under the glaze.
Up close
The face
The expression that, according to the myth, turned people to stone.
- 1SerpentsA living crown of clay.
- 2The gazeOpen eyes and mouth, full of expression.
- 3ArmsCoiled like the serpents themselves.
Three quarters
The glaze
The glassy quality of the piece is one of António’s signatures.
- 1HairSerpents in every direction.
- 2GlazeGlassy, shining texture.
From behind
The design
Even from behind, the piece tells the story.
- 1SerpentsSeen from behind, intertwined.
- 2PatternHand-painted design all over the body.
Meet the Producer
ROSA RAMALHO'S GREAT‑GRANDSON REINVENTS TRADITION
António Ramalho grew up with clay under his fingernails, inheriting a family legacy that he has reinvented with imagination and unique expressiveness.
discover the storyFrom the same maker
More from António Ramalho
Questions
Everything you need to know.
What is this piece?
Barcelos clay Medusa by António Ramalho, great-grandson of Rosa Ramalho. A fusion of Greek mythology with Barcelos figures, with a glassy texture.
Which region is it from?
It comes from Minho, in Portugal. At Ra-Ro, every piece is tied to its origin and to the territory where it is made.
Who makes this piece?
It is made by António Ramalho, the producer Ra-Ro works with directly for this piece.
What technique is used?
This piece is made using the Olaria technique.
Are all pieces identical?
As a handmade piece, it may vary slightly from one example to another. That variation is part of its authenticity.
Where do you ship?
We ship to Portugal, the rest of Europe, the US, Canada and Brazil.
How do returns work?
You have 14 days for a free return.
Is payment secure?
Yes, all payments are processed securely and encrypted.
Take home a myth made in Barcelos.
53,00 € · available to ship
Buy nowShipping to Europe, US and Brazil14 days for free returnsSecure payment
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