A Vida Portuguesa TOM Wooden Figure – 7 – Alto Douro

In 1939, artist Thomaz de Mello, who also went by the moniker TOM, dreamed up a series of hand-painted wooden dolls that became one of his most well-known commercial works. Each figure represented a folklore person from different regions of Portugal, a concept which proved to be popular among tourists who were just discovering the country and bringing these home as souvenirs. These wooden figures were so iconic that de Mello was commissioned by storied Portuguese brands to make custom versions, including perfume bottles for cosmetics company Nally and a nativity scene for century-old clothing store Loja das Meias. It was during the 1960s that he launched a second series of updated wooden silhouettes, often recruiting his art students as painters.

A Vida Portuguesa has exclusively reissued the famed Bonecos de TOM collection. The Lisbon-based, women-owned shop acquired the rights as well as original unfinished beechwood figures from de Mello’s family, and worked with a carpenter who once collaborated with the artist. Together they have created faithful, hand-painted recreations of the traditionally dressed dolls as important reminders of Portuguese craft and culture in modern day. A very special keepsake that can be appreciated for years to come. Each TOM Wooden Figure is numbered and signed, making each figure a unique object, and each is sold separately.