Cova da Iria · 1917 recalls the day tens of thousands of pilgrims gathered in the rain at Fátima and watched the sun break through the clouds. A great spiralling sun with rays in many colours blazes above a rain-soaked field. Below it the crowd stands with umbrellas raised, and three shepherd figures and their sheep gather beside an old tree on the left.
The design follows the Portuguese ex-voto tradition. The name comes from the Latin ex voto, “from a vow”. Ex-votos are small folk paintings, often on wood or tin, left in chapels and shrines to give thanks for a prayer answered. Many carry a short written line telling what happened. Here the tradition is carried onto ceramic tile, with the caption “Cova da Iria · 1917” across the bottom and a cobalt blue border to frame it.
It makes a meaningful gift for pilgrims returning from Fátima, for families with a devotion to Our Lady of Fátima, and for anyone who collects Portuguese folk art, sacred art and azulejos.
Made to order in Porto on glazed ceramic, for indoor display. Three sizes from 20 €.
