Arraiolos stitch framed handmade embroidery based in roman mosaics of Conimbriga.
The Romans greatly develop the art of mosaics, using tesserae (cubes) of stone ceramic or glass, sometimes as small as 4mm² to achieve striking effects of contrast and tone. The earliest mosaics to be seen in Conimbriga are situated in the public baths dating from the reign of August when the city was founded. The mosaics which adorn the richest houses, their peristyles and gardens date from the II, III and IV centuries and are made with stones from nearby locations.

The Arraiolos stitch dating from the 14th-15th centuries, is a variation of the common cross-stitch employed in various European countries where it became known by different names as the Slavic plait stitch, long legged cross - stitch, etc.

Framed handmade embroidery is a new application of the Arraiolos stitch. Using cotton instead of wool, aida cloth instead of burlap, but always using the Arraiolos stitch, he manufactured an embroidery – put between two glasses and a frame – is displayed on a wall because of it small dimensions.

The adaptation processes from the mosaic design to Arraiolos stitch master pattern was made in the following steps:
Firstly - trough “on site” observation he selected the mosaics and made a chromatic study with the propose to reproduce as faithful as possible the real colors.
Secondly – based on photos and posters of the chosen mosaics- he made the master patterns of which one, making it possible to be worked in Arraiolos stitch.
Finally - he handwork the embroideries with the delicate task of reproducing stitch working faithfully resembling the tesserae of the original mosaics.

This work of re-invention and execution of the master patterns for Arraiolos point applied to mosaics is personal and exclusive. All the master patterns has been duly registered with the D. G. E. D. A. Each work has a label (in which is identified is name and the author’s) a wax seal and will be accompanied with a certified attesting is origin.

XXXV years crafting full-time and uninterruptedly.
António Adauta started working as an artisan in 1990 when student in Coimbra “rediscovered” the mosaics of Conímbriga. He adapted its patterns to create an Arraiolos stitch framed handmade embroidery.

For about three years he worked on the elaboration of “master patterns” and the handcrafting of 16 prototypes. In 1992, the Secretary of State for Culture approved a “manifesto of cultural interest” for this project being sponsorable. This year he started an economic activity as artisan.

P a l m a r é s

Honourable Mention at FIALISBOA 2025 for Acteon® - best piece of traditional handicraft.
Silver Winner to Entrelaçado® by Rome Design Award 2025 in Product Design - Home Furniture / Decoration.
Iron by A' Design Award and Competition 2025, in A' Cultural Heritage Design Award
Honorable Mention by Design MasterPrize (DMP) 2024 in Interior Decoration Products.
Best Artisan Embroidery Art Company 2024 in Portugal by The perfect Gift Awards 2024 – LUXlife.
Winner by Global Design News and The Chicago Athenaeum Museum in Designs Award 2024 for Modern Furniture + Lighting
Winner by DNA PARIS DESIGN AWARDS 2024 for Product Design/Home-ware & accessories.
Special Mention to Minotauro® by German Design Awards 2024, Excellent Product Design - Design Classics and Re-Editions.
Platinum Medal by Design Skill Award 2023, Best Textiles, Fabrics & Material Design.
Silver Winner by MUSE Design Awards 2023, for Caos® Product Design - Textiles / Floor Coverings.
Bronze Winner by Houzee Awards 2023, Art and Accessories.
Bronze Winner by A' Design Award and Competition 2023, Crafts and Artisan Design.
Gold Winner by Architecture & Design Collection Awards 2022, Art and Luxury Design Built Professional.
Joined in 2022 Homo Faber Guide - The Michelangelo Foundation.
Honourable Mention at FIALISBOA 2015 for Cruzes® - best piece of contemporary handicraft.
First Prize, ex-aequo, by Famalicão Handicraft Fair 2006 for Minotauro®.
Honourable Mention by Coats threads 2005 for ADN and 2006 for Centro Entrelaçado®.
Golden Anchor by Coats threads 1998 Award for Centauro Marinho®.