Stories of An Empire

Távora Sequeira Pinto Collection, held at Museu do Oriente from July 2021 until May 2023

Power nucleus (2022) by Museu do OrienteMuseu do Oriente

The collection

Stories of an Empire discloses to the public one of the most important collections assembled in Portugal during the last 30 years. It tells us about travels, forms, techniques, materials, primarily between Portugal and Asia, but also Africa and Brazil.

In search for Laquer nucleos (2022) by Museu do OrienteMuseu do Oriente

The adventure

The maritime adventure of the Portuguese, which lasted from the 15th century until the beginning of the 19th century, profoundly altered the lives of all peoples at the time. This influence remained for future generations.

When we were exotic nucleos (2022) by Museu do OrienteMuseu do Oriente

The globalization

The Távora Sequeira Pinto collection exhibition presents a visual essay on the richness and complexity of the art produced in the commercial network created by Portugal in Asia.

Ivory nucleus (2022) by Museu do OrienteMuseu do Oriente

The migrations

There are plentiful records of the cross-migration of peoples and of the introduction of plant and animal species that modern inhabitants have no idea were non-existent in those lands five centuries before.

Nucleus Voyage of Forms (2022) by Museu do OrienteMuseu do Oriente

Migration of forms

The assimilation of European typologies can be observed in various parts of Asia, especially well documented by pieces of furniture.

Ivory nucleus (2022) by Museu do OrienteMuseu do Oriente

Migration of materials

Also materials and techniques traveled from place to place, transforming art around the world, such as ivory and lacquer. Pieces produced in Asia and made of African ivory, confirm the globalization created by the Portuguese trade.

Religion nucleus (2022) by Museu do OrienteMuseu do Oriente

Migration of religion: a mission

The numerous religious pieces clearly demonstrate the missionary character of the Portuguese Expansion.

Goa stood as the greatest centre of sacred art production, from which the models spread across the Asian empire. Also remarkable is the formation of other artistic hubs.

Precious World nucleos (2022) by Museu do OrienteMuseu do Oriente

Precious objects

“Goldsmiths and silversmiths” are some of the most interesting artistic manifestations of this period. Few very rich objects, like the aquamanile Caquesseitão, have reached our days. However they are enough to attest the global importance of the production of luxury objects.

Collectionism and Science nucleos (2022) by Museu do OrienteMuseu do Oriente

Collectionism and science

The encounter with products from the East brought news and reconfiguration of the knowledge that had been circulating in Europe for a long time. Owning objects such as bezoars, amber, pearls, diamonds, or rubies, was a demonstration of power and relevance. 

When we were exotic nucleos (2022) by Museu do OrienteMuseu do Oriente

Were the Portuguese exotic?

The Portuguese of the 16th century who arrived in Asia were seen in different ways, by the various societies. Observed with curiosity and desire for imitation by some, with the will to emphasize differences by others. Were the Portuguese exotic?

Curated by Nuno Vassalo e Silva, the exhibition Stories of an Empire. Távora Sequeira Pinto Collection is on display at Museu do Oriente until May 2023

Credits: Story

Stories of An Empire, Távora Sequeira Pinto Collection  catalogue. Fundação Oriente, 2021

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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