Portugal 2022 5€ The Art of Porcelain

Portugal and China have had a direct relationship for half a millennium, ever since Portuguese navigators arrived in Malacca. One of the most beautiful and perennial symbols of this dialogue is undoubtedly the porcelain. It stands out among all ceramic pastes. White, translucent, waterproof, resistant, soft and resounding to the touch, its appeal remains irresistible. Portuguese merchants were among the first to import porcelain from China, which was immediately popular.

This commemorative coin is the second in the «Portugal and the Orient» series and honors the porcelain. Although one country is in the extreme west of Eurasia and the other one in the extreme east, the appreciation of porcelain and its symbolism makes them close neighbors.

Inspired by the typical floral motifs of Chinese and Portuguese porcelain - as well as his personal experiences in Macao - the multifaceted artist André Carrilho challenged the Portuguese Mint's technical team to create a unique and innovative coin. With a face value of €5.00, all finishes will have a square hole in the center, referring to the well-known amulet coins in circulation in China. Silver and gold coins have color highlights.