(pronunciation: ya (sounds like ah) dro (sounds like grow) ya-dro)
The Lladro figures have a fine, smooth surface and are decorated with even, pastel colors. Without strong colors, the emphasis is on the figure itself. The porcelain is as fine as any used for this purpose. The charm of the styling and the subjects borders on cute, but stays just this side of the line in the sentimental category. The Lladro style, once seen, is not forgotten. Most of the Lladro figurines are realistic in both person and costume. Occasionally Lladro figurine is in a Picasso-esque style, but the coloration remains the Lladro pastels. Lately, stronger jewel-like colors have been added with the addition of the “gres” line. The price of Lladro figures will probably hold, for the most part, if the seller can wait for the right buyer.
My opinion: Pricey, a bit schmaltzy, one special figurine will do, pick carefully. Maybe the dragon.
Product Lines:
High Porcelain: These porcelains are unique or produced in very limited editions. Subjects include an Oriental dragon, a Tang-like horse, Japanese “dolls” of an emperor and empress, and an incredible Nile boat with Cleopatra, musicians and dancers (63” by 30″). Other, more “usual” figures include groups in conversation or having tea, and coaches and carriages of the past with occupants.
Classic Porcelain: Men, women and children in everyday activities, horses, dogs, the animals of the Chinese Zodiac, figures for special occasions, like Mother’s Day or weddings, Christmas ornaments and scenes, Black figures, ballet figures, etc.
Lladro Nativity Sets and Figurines: in several styles and groupings. Varying from dramatic to serene, with many separate figures in or Mary, Joseph and Jesus in one piece.
“Gres” (mate finish for skin tones, enamels for decoration, not shiny overall): Men, women and children, nudes, ethnic figures from around the world.
The Emperor’s Table: Small additions to the dining table in a Chinese style: salt & pepper shakers, vase, tea light, potpourri bowls, incense burner, jewelry box.
Prices: lowest: votive candles, under $100; Christmas ornaments, under $100, identified by year.
small angels: $100-$200 unless in special product lines
small animals: between $200 and $300
more complicated figures or groups: $500 and up.
Collector’s Society: Lladro Privilege or Lladro Privilege Gold: members receive advance notice of releases, special offers and pieces made only for Privilege or Privilege Gold members.
The official company site is: www.lladro.com
History
This firm is located in Valencia, Spain. It was started in 1953 by three brothers, Juan, Jose and Vincente Lladro. Figures have been the sole focus of the company since its inception. Through experimentation, the brothers reduced their process from three firings to a single firing while still producing the fine surface and the pastel coloration of their products.
The figures are popular in Spain from the beginning, and importation to North America began in the 1960’s. Enough demand was generated to require the opening of a training school to provide designers and craftsmen for the factory in Spain.
In the 1970’s, a new porcelain body is developed that allows the designer to work on a larger scale. Called the Gres line, the body surface is matte and layers of varnishes are fired onto the figure to create the colored design.
By the 1980’s, the next generation of the Lladro family was involved with the company. Lladro products were imported into China, Japan, Australia and the United Kingdom. A Collectors Society is started in 1985, the members of which received special figurines each year.
The Lladro Company has been recognized for its excellent management and beautiful products over the years. Lladro figures have been exhibited at the Hermitage Museum of Saint Petersburg and the Museum of Modern Art of Santo Domingo. Usually sold through jewelry stores and other specialty shops, stores selling exclusively Lladro products were opened in Madrid and Beverly Hills in the 1980’s.
An additional product line, titled “Legend,” was started in the 1990’s to portray imaginary creatures. The fine porcelain body is decorated with gold and precious stones, providing luxurious figures of fairies, elves and angels.
The new millennium was celebrated by inspirational metaphorical figures. Additional lines with different emphases were created to explore more aesthetic lines, such as the “Movement” series. Lladro continues to expand its influence, including a venture into bathroom porcelain with partner Supergrif, by sponsoring a yacht in the America’s Cup Race, and by purchasing the jewelry firm Carrera y Carrera.
* * * For information about getting to Spain yourself, see Property in Spain. * * *
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