The Filigree from Portugal was present at Expo 2025 Osaka with an exhibition that showcased one of the most delicate expressions of traditional Portuguese goldsmithing. A candidate for UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, filigree is a symbol of national identity.
Over two days (30 June and 1 July), the Portugal Pavilion hosted the exhibition “Ocean of Filigree”, with a curation dedicated to artisanal excellence. The space welcomed hundreds of visitors, many of whom were not only amazed by the beauty of the pieces on display but also accepted the invitation to try, with their own hands, the art of traditional Portuguese filigree. Live demonstrations, conducted by certified master artisans, revealed the complexity of the handcrafted work and sparked great curiosity and admiration among the Japanese audience.
Among the works presented, special mention goes to the iconic “Filigree Dress”, designed by stylist Micaela Oliveira and artisan Arlindo Moura, and the debut of the “Filigree Flower”, a large-scale piece created by JSoaresJewelry. These creations demonstrate how tradition and innovation intersect in an aesthetic language of great cultural value.
The event also included a cultural moment promoted by Turismo de Portugal — the traditional “5 o’clock Tea”, where the exclusive “Filigrana D’Ouro Gourmet” was served, a dark chocolate with 23-carat edible gold shaped like a heart. The experience was accompanied by “Pipa Chá”, a Portuguese tea aged in Port wine barrels, in a ritual that blends Portuguese tradition with Japanese aesthetics.
According to Sandra Almeida, councillor for Tourism at Gondomar City Council, “the presence of Filigree from Portugal at Expo Osaka is much more than a simple jewellery exhibition; it is a strategic bet on a global stage where we want to assert our cultural identity, reinforce the UNESCO nomination, and present the Filigree Route to the world.” She adds: “Bringing filigree to Japan is like carrying the heart of Portugal in your hands—each golden thread tells a story and touches those who value beauty made with soul and time.”
Luís Pedro Martins, president of Turismo do Porto and Norte de Portugal, emphasises that “being in Osaka is a key moment for us to project Filigree from Portugal as a symbol of our identity and differentiation worldwide. It is our way of telling the story of a territory through the hands of its artisans.”
Portugal’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka continues to highlight the value of its cultural heritage and its ability to mobilise around collective causes with international projection, in a particularly relevant context as the exhibition has now surpassed 10 million visitors and is established as one of the largest global gatherings of the year. This turnout reinforces the importance of Portugal’s presence on this international stage, where culture, innovation, and heritage intersect and gain visibility with an international audience.
See the pictures.
Over two days (30 June and 1 July), the Portugal Pavilion hosted the exhibition “Ocean of Filigree”, with a curation dedicated to artisanal excellence. The space welcomed hundreds of visitors, many of whom were not only amazed by the beauty of the pieces on display but also accepted the invitation to try, with their own hands, the art of traditional Portuguese filigree. Live demonstrations, conducted by certified master artisans, revealed the complexity of the handcrafted work and sparked great curiosity and admiration among the Japanese audience.
Among the works presented, special mention goes to the iconic “Filigree Dress”, designed by stylist Micaela Oliveira and artisan Arlindo Moura, and the debut of the “Filigree Flower”, a large-scale piece created by JSoaresJewelry. These creations demonstrate how tradition and innovation intersect in an aesthetic language of great cultural value.
The event also included a cultural moment promoted by Turismo de Portugal — the traditional “5 o’clock Tea”, where the exclusive “Filigrana D’Ouro Gourmet” was served, a dark chocolate with 23-carat edible gold shaped like a heart. The experience was accompanied by “Pipa Chá”, a Portuguese tea aged in Port wine barrels, in a ritual that blends Portuguese tradition with Japanese aesthetics.
According to Sandra Almeida, councillor for Tourism at Gondomar City Council, “the presence of Filigree from Portugal at Expo Osaka is much more than a simple jewellery exhibition; it is a strategic bet on a global stage where we want to assert our cultural identity, reinforce the UNESCO nomination, and present the Filigree Route to the world.” She adds: “Bringing filigree to Japan is like carrying the heart of Portugal in your hands—each golden thread tells a story and touches those who value beauty made with soul and time.”
Luís Pedro Martins, president of Turismo do Porto and Norte de Portugal, emphasises that “being in Osaka is a key moment for us to project Filigree from Portugal as a symbol of our identity and differentiation worldwide. It is our way of telling the story of a territory through the hands of its artisans.”
Portugal’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka continues to highlight the value of its cultural heritage and its ability to mobilise around collective causes with international projection, in a particularly relevant context as the exhibition has now surpassed 10 million visitors and is established as one of the largest global gatherings of the year. This turnout reinforces the importance of Portugal’s presence on this international stage, where culture, innovation, and heritage intersect and gain visibility with an international audience.
See the pictures.
