
Copper Cataplana
183,30 €
Available
Ra-Ro IndexVery RareWhat is the Ra-Ro Index?Humans did not invent the sea. Nor shrimp, nor garlic. Nor copper. But someone invented the Cataplana, a typical Portuguese kitchen utensil that brought all these ingredients together.
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Copper Cataplana
Cut, softened in fire and hammered by hand by Nuno Palma.
Nobody invented the sea, shrimp or copper. But someone invented *the cataplana*. Made in copper, it takes far longer than aluminium or steel versions and is *at risk of disappearing*. Nuno Palma is *one of the last* to make it the old way.
Copper Cataplana
What other gorgeous piece of design also cooks the most delicious mediterranean stews?
Humans didn't invent the sea. Nor the shrimp, nor the garlic. Nor the copper. But someone invented the Cataplana, a typically Portuguese cooking utensil that united all of them.
We speak in the perfect past tense, and we want to tell you why. The copper Cataplana is very hard to find today, facing serious possibilities of extinction. Why? Because it takes much longer to make than its aluminum or stainless steel alternatives, despite allowing for excellent heat conduction and having the look of a stunning design piece.
Nuno Palma is a copper artist from Feiteira, a small village in the parish of Cachopo (Algarve, Portugal), and one of the last people to make cataplanas the old way - a rare case of a young man rescuing traditional artisanal techniques from disappearing.
He cuts the bright pink-orange metal sheets himself and then softens the material over fire. The hammer molds and hardens the sheet, which begins to look like the beautiful Cataplana it is destined to be. Palma rubs it with sand to remove impurities, perfects it multiple rounds of hammering, and gives it the final polish.
Then, it is up to us to cook traditional Mediterranean food over low heat, for long hours, condensing flavours, aromas, and love.
The piece in facts.
The traditional trades Loulé is reviving date back to the 13th century.
Cut, soften in fire, hammer, scrub with sand, hammer again and polish.
Small, medium and large.

Hammered by hand. Made for a slow flame.
See every detail.




The cataplana
Two copper halves that close like a shell.
- 1The lidHammered by hand, like the base.
- 2The hingeJoins the two halves.
- 3The handlesFrom the stove to the table.
The copper
The rosy orange metal takes shape with every blow.
- 1Hammer marksEvery blow stays visible on the surface.
- 2The claspsKeep the cataplana closed while cooking.
- 3The handleIn copper, like the whole piece.
The inside
Open, the cataplana shows its two halves.
- 1The lidCloses over the base and holds the steam.
- 2The baseWhere the stew is cooked.
The finish
Scrubbed with sand and polished at the end.
- 1PolishThe last step, after the hammering.
- 2Heat conductionCopper spreads heat evenly.
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IN SEARCH OF AN ANCIENT LEGEND
Coppersmith Nuno Palma works surrounded by the gleam of copper and brass, breathing new life into traditional crafts that date back to the 13th century.
discover the story
Da Palma
Workshop and Historical Context
Craftsmanship and Techniques
Preservation and Passion
Workshops and Public Engagement
Nuno Palma is a rare case of a young man rescuing traditional craft techniques from extinction. His work celebrates time, beauty and simplicity, creating pieces that range from everyday utensils to decorative objects. Through his workshops, he shares the rituals of the craft, ensuring that this knowledge is not lost. Each piece is made with care and dedication, reflecting a cultural heritage that dates back to the 13th century. The copper cataplana is an example of this art, combining function and design and allowing you to cook with love and tradition. It is more than a utensil; it is a bridge between past and present, embodying the resilience of a craft that refuses to die.
Everything you need to know.
What is this piece?
Copper cataplana hand-hammered by Nuno Palma in Cachopo, Algarve. Traditional coppersmithing, excellent heat conduction. Extremely rare piece.
Which region is it from?
It comes from Algarve, 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 Da Palma, the producer Ra-Ro works with directly for this piece.
What technique is used?
This piece is made using the Caldeiraria 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.
Bring to your kitchen a piece that stands the test of time.
183,30 € · available to ship
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