Cart
0
Helena Novelletto
Handmade byHelena Novelletto
Lamp
94,70 €
Available
Ra-Ro IndexVery RareWhat is the Ra-Ro Index?Bulrush (bunho) loves water. It grows in humid places, including ponds, swamps, and lakes. Frogs and dragonflies are among its closest neighbours. So, how does it transform into this beautiful, versatile, and stripped-back Lamp, which can be taken to live...
Read the story of the piece- Worldwide shipping
- Free returns within 14 days
- Secure, encrypted payment
Handmade byHelena NovellettoDimensions
Care
Shipping and returns
Shipping time: Approximately 48h
We ship worldwide. You have 14 days to return the piece free of charge. Payment is secure and encrypted.
Bulrush lamp
Lamp
The lamp that sets the mood for self-sufficiency.
The story
Bulrush loves water and grows in ponds, marshes and lakes. Harvested in summer, it is braided by Helena Novelletto in her workshop in Caldas da Rainha, *with all the strength of her arms*. She learned the craft from *master Manuel Ferreira, of Santarém*, and is *one of the last active bulrush artisans*.
Story of the piece
Lamp
The lamp that sets the mood for self-suficiency.
Bulrush (bunho) loves water. It grows in humid places, including ponds, swamps, and lakes. Frogs and dragonflies are among its closest neighbours. So, how does it transform into this beautiful, versatile, and stripped-back Lamp, which can be taken to live in the desert? Or used to set the mood, for example.
For Helena Novelletto, the young artisan behind this work, it has been a journey towards freedom. She started by learning the craft with Manuel Ferreira, a generous master from Santarém, who wove while recalling the 1974 revolution that ended 48 years of dictatorship in Portugal, telling stories she, born in Brazil, had never heard of.
Freed from industry, the bunho craft demands only raw nature and her disciplined hands - self-sufficiency. We are sure she is one of the last active bunho artisans, but we hope that her dedication can motivate other artists with sustainable convictions.
In the summer, the bulrush is harvested, in its natural habitat, and woven in her workshop in Caldas da Rainha (Estremadura, Portugal), a task that requires all the strength of her arms. Yes, freedom demands hard work.
In numbers
The piece in facts.
Diameter36cm
The full width of the braided rim.
Height22cm
A compact, light volume.
Revolution1974
Manuel Ferreira, Helena's master, wove while recalling the 1974 revolution.
See the piece
See every detail.
Overview
Bulrush lamp
Braided body and circular rim.
- 1BodyRounds of braided bulrush.
- 2SpokesJoin the body to the rim.
- 3RimA braided ring that opens up the light.
Detail
From above
The top and rim in perspective.
- 1TopHand-braided closure.
- 2SpokesGaps that let the light through.
- 3Outer rimBulrush harvested in summer, sun-dried.
Detail
Close‑up
The braiding texture up close.
- 1BraidingMade in Caldas da Rainha.
- 2Twisted spokesBulrush strands that hold the rim.
- 3RimStrength and discipline in the hands.
About the piece
Dimensions and care.
Dimensions
Care
Shipping time
Meet the Producer
A JOURNEY TOWARD CREATIVE FREEDOM
Helena Novelletto learned the craft from master Manuel Ferreira, transforming bunho into unique pieces with stories of freedom.
discover the story
The journey
Helena Novelletto
Apprenticeship and Artistic Roots
Craft and Process
Background and Present Context
Future Outlook and Inspiration
For Helena Novelletto, the young artisan behind this work, it has been a journey towards freedom. She began by learning the craft from Manuel Ferreira, a generous master from Santarém, who wove while recalling the 1974 revolution that ended 48 years of dictatorship in Portugal, telling stories that she, born in Brazil, had never heard. Free from industry, bulrush craft asks of Helena only pure nature and her disciplined hands. Self-sufficiency. We are certain she is one of the last active bulrush artisans, but we hope her dedication can motivate other artists with sustainable convictions.
Questions
Everything you need to know.
What is this piece?
Lamp made of bulrush hand-harvested and woven by Helena Novelletto in her Caldas da Rainha workshop, Estremadura. Sustainable basketry.
Which region is it from?
It comes from Estremadura, 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 Helena Novelletto, the producer Ra-Ro works with directly for this piece.
What technique is used?
This piece is made using the Empreita 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.
Do you ship worldwide?
Yes, Ra-Ro ships worldwide.
How do returns work?
You have 14 days for a free return.
Is payment secure?
Yes, all payments are processed securely and encrypted.
Take this bulrush lamp home and create a mood of your own.
94,70 € · available to ship
Buy nowWorldwide shipping14 days for free returnsSecure payment
More pieces
You may also like
Your journey
